On Monday, 17th March 2025, St Clare’s organised its annual Launch Day, a unique event designed to introduce IB1 students to university-level learning and future career opportunities. This day was an important opportunity for students to explore different academic disciplines, engage in thought-provoking discussions, and gain insights into potential career paths.
Instead of following their usual daily academic timetable, students attended specially curated taster lectures delivered by university professionals and industry experts. These lectures aimed to provide a glimpse into higher education subjects and professional fields, helping students make informed decisions about their academic future.
Throughout the day, students had the chance to explore a variety of topics across different disciplines. One of the most engaging sessions was “Ecological Economics and Finance: Banking, Climate Change, and Carbon Offsets,” which focused on the connections between Finance, Environmental Sustainability, and Climate Action.
The lecture provided valuable insights into how financial systems contribute to the fight against climate change, as well as the role of carbon offsetting in sustainable business practices. It was particularly beneficial for students interested in Finance, Business, and Environmental Science, as it highlighted how these fields intersect in real-world applications. The session encouraged students to think critically about the economic and environmental challenges facing the modern world and how industries are adapting to become more sustainable.
Ömer from Turkey:
“The lecture on ecological economics made me realise how deeply finance is connected to global climate solutions — something I had never truly considered before.”
Another exciting session was “Business: Product Development Business Challenge,” which provided an interactive and hands-on experience in Business Strategy and Marketing. Students were tasked with developing an innovative product that aligned with a brand’s core values while appealing to a specific target audience. They also had to create and deliver a three-minute pitch explaining why their product would be successful in the market.
This session helped students develop essential Business and Marketing skills, including branding, strategic planning, and persuasive communication. It was especially valuable for those interested in studying Business, Management, and Marketing at university. The session emphasised the importance of creativity and collaboration in the Business world, making it both an educational and enjoyable experience for participants.
Tamerlan from Kazakhstan:
“Participating in the business challenge showed me that innovation isn’t just about ideas, it’s about aligning them with purpose and strategy.”
Later in the day, students had the opportunity to attend “Engineering, Aviation, and Technology,” a session that provided insights into various engineering disciplines, including Physics, Computer Engineering, and Aviation Technology.
Led by an expert from the RAF Charitable Trust, the lecture focused on advancements in technology and their impact on industries such as aerospace and aviation. Students interested in STEM fields gained a better understanding of the skills required in Engineering and Technology careers, as well as the challenges and innovations shaping the future of these industries.
For many students, including myself, Launch Day was an eye-opening experience that broadened our understanding of different academic fields and career opportunities. It allowed us to explore subjects beyond the IB curriculum and experience university-style learning. The event also provided a chance to interact with industry professionals, ask questions, and gain first-hand knowledge about career paths we might not have considered before.
Personally, I found the sessions on Finance and Business particularly engaging, as they connected real-world economic and environmental challenges with practical solutions. The Business challenge was also a great way to practice entrepreneurial thinking and public speaking in a structured setting.
Overall, Launch Day was an invaluable opportunity for IB1 students to step out of their usual academic routines and immerse themselves in new learning experiences. It helped many students gain a clearer perspective on their university choices, career aspirations, and subject interests. By attending lectures that covered a wide range of topics, students were able to explore their academic strengths and interests in a more engaging and interactive way. The event not only prepared us for the transition to higher education but also encouraged us to think more critically about the future. It was a well-organised and enriching experience that will certainly have a lasting impact on many students as they continue their academic journeys.
Written by Mert – IB26 student