Weetwood Hall Hotel, Headingley:

Laidlaw Scholars Leeds, 2026 Cohort

Our Weetwood residential allowed us to look inwards, prompting the question: What personality traits align with being a good leader? By analysing our own bespoke Quintax personality profiles (to which I discovered I am an extravert who takes a personable approach when making decisions) and then comparing them with others in the group, it became clear that leadership cannot be looked at through a one-size-fits-all mentality. We had lots of opportunities to put theory into practice, in this case building teams with varied skillsets and creating posters.

'Sailing Scholars'

Team building was a recurring theme throughout the two trips and many of the activities focussed on getting to know our cohort on a deeper level. As groups, we practised presenting and public speaking, learning to divide roles fairly, speak up with confidence, and ensure everyone in the room was heard. In true Leeds fashion, our group decided to base our presentation on the Roger Stevens building on campus: ‘Roger Stevens Building – Love it or loathe it?’ It was great to find common ground between us, and it made presenting it enjoyable rather than stressful.

Other sessions throughout the two days consisted of networking, AI usage, emotional intelligence workshops (where one group produced some amazing limericks!) and hands-on activities. By exploring resilience, time management, and the value of having a clear plan, it became evident how each of these skills translates directly into the different stages of the Laidlaw Programme, from our research periods, to the Oxford Character Programme, to our LIAs.

Gala Dinner, Evening One

Selside, Yorkshire Dales National Park:

Wow! Our second residential looked completely different to Headingley's Weetwood Hall, but nonetheless focussed on the fundamentals of leadership, team building and working under pressure. Despite a peaceful start which encouraged us to sit in nature and reflect on our journey thus far, we quickly ran to put our wetsuits and wellies on as we set off to go caving. Not only was I incredibly proud of how much I challenged myself during this activity, but it was inspiring to see the supportive and encouraging atmosphere amongst the other scholars which was present across the three days.

Caving, Day One

Hiking, orienteering and climbing were other activities where this support was given, and where other skills like ‘determination’ and ‘bravery’ were definitely required. Not all of Selside’s activities were physical, as us cooking and cleaning for each other demonstrated how leadership is often shared, and that the smaller, quieter moments matter too.

     Hiking, Day Two

After these two residentials, I couldn't think of any other way I'd rather start my Laidlaw journey. As always, I am incredibly grateful to @Matt Penhaligon and @Rebecca Shaw  (and the wider UG Research team at Leeds) for their dedication to these events, and to the Laidlaw Foundation for making this all possible!

Thank you for reading :)