Alumni Spotlight – Lara Dermay
Published: Mon 1 December 2025
Can you introduce yourself and tell us what you studied at HCS?
My name is Lara and I studied A-Level 3D Design, Art and History.
What inspired you to take Art & DT?
I’ve always been drawn to creativity and design, and Art & DT gave me the freedom to experiment and explore ideas in a way that felt both challenging and rewarding. It was also the place where I discovered how much I enjoy problem-solving through making and design.
Why did you choose to stay on at HCS for sixth form?
I had already been studying at Shoreditch Park since year 7 and I really valued the support and opportunities I received there. Continuing into the sixth form felt like a natural next step, especially with the strong creative departments.
How did it feel to see your work on display at school?
It was a proud moment, because it made me realise how far I’d come with my work. Having it displayed gave me more confidence in my abilities, and it felt motivating to know that teachers and other students could see and appreciate the effort I’d put in.
What are your future plans – are you continuing with Art & DT?
Yes, I’ll be studying Architecture at UCL this September. Studying Art and Design at school definitely shaped the way I think and encouraged me to pursue architecture as the way to combine creativity, design, and function.
What advice would you give to current students thinking of studying these subjects?
Don’t be afraid to take risks with your ideas, even if they don’t always work out. The best projects come from experimenting, and you learn the most from the challenges. Also, make the most of the facilities and guidance at HCS, they really help you push your work further.