On Monday 25 November and Tuesday 26 November, the Upper Sixth Economics students embarked on an enriching trip to London. The experience combined guided tours and insightful talks, offering a deep dive into the financial hub of the UK.
The adventure began with a comprehensive guided tour of the City of London. Students had the opportunity to explore iconic institutions such as Leadenhall Market, the Bank of England, and the Lloyds of London building. This journey through the historic and contemporary financial landmarks provided students with a tangible connection to their economics studies.
In the evening, the group visited the HSBC headquarters in Canary Wharf. There, they attended a talk by James Horsburgh, an alumnus of Exeter School and currently the Global Head of Private Capital Group of Investment Banking at HSBC. He shared his professional journey and insights into the world of investment banking. This was followed by a presentation by investment analyst Andrew Quaye, who elaborated on various routes into the investment banking sector at HSBC. The talks were highly informative and offered a glimpse into potential career paths for the students.
The second day was dedicated to attending an Economics conference, featuring a range of leading economists. The highlight was a session with Tim Harford, known for his role on BBC’s “More or Less,” who discussed the challenges of making economic predictions. Other notable speakers included Professor Vicky Pryce and representatives from the Institute of Economic Affairs.
A standout moment was the talk by Ayeisha Thomas-Smith, who addressed the emerging fields in alternative economics, focusing on environmental issues and inequality. Her discussion was particularly impactful, as it provided fresh perspectives on the evolving landscape of economic thought.
Grace V, one of the students, commented, “The conference was very informative about the alternative economic theories that are currently being developed.”
The trip was a valuable experience, enriching the students’ understanding of economics through real-world applications and expert insights. It fostered not only academic growth but also inspiration for future endeavours in the field of economics.
