Enrichment

For two incredible weeks in July, five Dart Scholars packed their bags, boarded a plane, crossed the Atlantic and stepped into a world where history, academia and independence came together. Their destination: the University of Cambridge, one of the most prestigious universities in the world.

The 2025 Dart Scholar Enrichment Trip wasn’t just about attending classes; it was about living the university experience. From choosing one of Cambridge’s 65 subject areas to study, to bunking in historic dormitories, to navigating London’s transit system on their own, the trip was equal parts academic enrichment, cultural exploration and personal growth.

Five exceptional students

While their academic interests were vastly different, the students shared a sense of curiosity and a clear passion for their chosen field of study. 

Alison Owens and Kyla Machingambi, both students at Cayman Prep & High School, arrived in Cambridge with an interest passion in medicine – Allison leaning toward dermatology and Kyla aspiring toward neurology. 

J-Mar Clark, who represented John Gray High School, focused on mathematics, while Jon-Marc Thomas from St. Ignatius Catholic School immersed himself in engineering. 

For Siri Batta, it was her third time participating in the Dart Enrichment Trip Programme. Siri is currently completing her A Levels at Cardiff Sixth Form College in the UK. As an aspiring doctor, Siri used the first trip to explore medicine, the second trip to better familiarise herself with university life and, most recently, she took up Cambridge’s global leadership course to build on her people skills. 

Together, the scholars formed a close-knit group during their two weeks abroad, supporting one another as they navigated a new country, a rigorous academic environment and new level of independence.

Living like a Cambridge student

During their stay, the Dart High School Scholarship recipients lived in Cambridge University’s college dormitories, offering them an authentic glimpse into life as a full-time university student. This meant early mornings, shared meals in grand dining halls and walks through the university’s sprawling courtyards on the way to class. 

It also meant learning independence quickly, particularly when it came to managing their own time, a critical skill for any university student living far from the comforts and conveniences of home. 

As J-Mar reflected, the seemingly simple task of waking up on time became an important lesson. And, with classes held in different buildings across campus, J-Mar learned to carefully plan his routes to avoid getting lost. 

For Kyla, Cambridge felt like stepping into a living postcard, describing the campus as “picturesque” with its Gothic and Tudor architecture, vaulted ceilings, cobblestone streets and stained-glass windows. “Even ordinary walks through around the campus felt extraordinary,” Kyla said. 

One of Kyla’s most memorable experiences on campus was spending time on the River Cam. There, she took part in a classic Cambridge tradition of punting – gliding along the river in flat-bottomed boats using long poles to gently guide the way. “The ducks and swans on the river added to the peaceful journey,” she recalled. 

Siri, who is from Cayman Brac where the pace is significantly slower, felt Cambridge had the same community spirit and sense of belonging. “People were compassionate and helped make my experience easier and richer, which is the same philosophy of the people in Cayman Brac,” she said.

Academic inspiration 

As the five scholars prepare for their own university journeys in the coming months, their exposure to Cambridge’s academic environment – including large lecture sizes and demanding course loads – proved eye-opening. 

Kyla admitted she felt relieved to discover she could keep up with the lectures and felt confident in her note-taking skills. She attended several evening lectures, some with as many as 190 students. “It felt special to be there and to be part of something that large,” she shared. 

Beyond courses aligned with medical aspirations, Kyla also attended a variety of engaging and unexpected lectures. “One explored whether artificial intelligence is a friend or foe, while another featured a bongo drummer discussing the structure and discipline of drumming. I even got to listen to a descendent of Charles Dickens speak about his body of work.” 

J-Mar also valued being in an environment where deep understanding was encouraged, noting that the experience pushed him to think more critically and creatively about mathematics.

Lessons beyond the lecture hall 

While the university experience itself was inspiring, the cultural exposure throughout England left a lasting impression on the scholars. Together, they explored London and beyond – mastering the Heathrow Express, confidently navigating the Tube (London Underground) and learning to read transit maps and problem-solve on-the-go. 

For J-Mar, one of the biggest surprises was just how friendly and welcoming people were. He shared that being surrounded by students and locals from all over the world helped him realise that even when life experiences differ, there are always ways to connect. “It made unfamiliar environments feel more approachable,” he said. 

The group visited the Science Museum, Imperial College London, the Victoria & Albert Museum and even spent a day exploring London’s vibrant Chinatown. 

One standout memory for J-Mar came during a visit to Warwick Castle. “Exploring the grounds, learning about its historical significance and watching the falconry show brought history to life and was one of the most memorable highlights of the trip for me,” he said.

A defining experience

Ultimately, the scholars gained skills that extended far beyond the classroom. They returned home not only with unforgettable memories, but with greater independence, a stronger sense of purpose, broadened worldviews and the confidence to see themselves thriving at university abroad. 

For these five Dart scholars, Cambridge wasn’t just a destination – it was a glimpse into what’s possible. 

“The Dart Scholar Enrichment Trip truly lives up to its name,” shared Siri. “These experiences have enriched me, my life and those around me.

“I would encourage students who are interested in participating to try everything,” Siri continued. “Do not be afraid to participate in the events. These trips are to broaden our horizons, professionally, academically, mentally and socially. Form new friendships, have a good time, be curious about the world around you and just be yourself – that’s what it’s really all about.”

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Applications for the Dart High School Scholarship are open between 2 February and 9 April 2026. To learn more and to apply, click here.