Alumni - Harry Smy

Harry Smy

Harry Smy

Whilst I was at MHS, I knew that I had to focus on my studies, but didn’t really know where I wanted to go in life; at times I think this was a good thing as it meant that I had to try my best in all of my subjects. When it came to selecting my GCSE options, I combined the lessons that I enjoyed with ones that would be a challenge for me.
In year 10 I took part in two activities that set me up on the path that I would follow through to my current career. Firstly I was selected as part of a group that visited Essex University’s Law Department where we took part in a mock trial. The second was a ‘who-dunnit’ activity in science that introduced us to how science can be used to assist the legal process.
Outside of lessons I took part in the choir and tuba lessons; I also worked as a library assistant and a student guidance councillor.
During my time at MHS, as well as studying the different subjects that I needed to pass my exams, I was introduced to the idea of learning outside the classroom, helping others, professionalism and attention to detail. Like all students, I was involved in activities for charities week and I worked as a library assistant and a student guidance councillor.
After leaving MHS I went onto Colchester Sixth Form, taking ICT, law, medieval history and chemistry. Following this I went onto Anglia  Ruskin university, where I studied for a BSc (Hons) and then a PG Cert in Forensic Science. I also have a level 5 diploma in education and training.
When I graduated in 2012 with a BSc (Hons) in Forensic Science, I received the Meritorious Student Award from the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences.
Since graduating I have worked as a forensic science consultant,  advising on cases across the world including cold cases in the USA and identifying victims of the 1995 genocide in Bosnia. Alongside this role I am also a lecturer in Forensic Science, having taught at universities and colleges around the UK.
By combining the roles of teaching and consultation, I have also been involved in developing the forensic science curriculum that is taught in the UK, to ensure that future forensic scientists are taught relevant and industry standard skills/knowledge. This has also seen me promoting the World Skills UK forensic science competition that is designed to allow students to showcase their skills and apply them within a real world forensic science scenario. In the past 3 years I have coached  students through to the national finals each year.
Memorable Teachers:
Miss Hardy was one of the science teachers that I had during my GCSE years. She had a passion for her subject that inspired me to pursue a science based career.
Within her lessons she would not only create engaging and thought provoking lessons, she would also take time to ensure that each and every student was able to understand the topic in front of them.