A select group of Year 12 students had the privilege recently of being invited to Amsterdam by leading wealth manager, Van Lanschot Kempen to present their Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) research on ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) and Sustainable Finance.

The trip commenced with an early Monday morning Eurostar departure from London St. Pancras, taking students on a journey through France and Belgium to their final destination of Amsterdam. Upon arrival, they were taken on a tour of Van Lanschot Kempen's impressive headquarters, before checking into their hotel. Their excitement for what was to come was palpable.

Tuesday offered an invaluable learning experience for both professional and personal development. Students participated in stimulating discussions with a diverse range of ESG experts at Van Lanschot Kempen. Their professional insights offered critical real-world perspectives, enriching students understanding of the topics explored within their EPQs.

The afternoon was dedicated to cultural exploration with a captivating walking tour unveiling Amsterdam's rich history and vibrant character. This was followed by a private tour of the Van Gogh Museum and a traditional Dutch steakhouse dinner. 

The highlight of the trip arrived on Wednesday, when students presented their EPQ research to a distinguished panel of Van Lanschot Kempen executive board members. Initial nervousness quickly gave way to a sense of accomplishment as students found their stride. The board members posed tough yet thought-provoking questions, highlighting both the progress made in sustainable finance and the challenges that lie ahead. This exceptional opportunity provided students with a unique platform to gain valuable knowledge from industry leaders, immerse themselves in a new culture, and solidify lasting bonds with both their peers and professional mentors.

We would like to express our sincere gratitude to all those at Van Lanschot Kempen for organising and hosting this once-in-a-lifetime experience. The company's generosity and dedication to fostering the development of young minds will be remembered for years to come.