Hi All!
My final couple weeks in Scotland were amazing! I took the opportunity to explore more of the country and do some last bits of sight seeing. Last weekend, we travelled up to Inverness and did some day trips from there. One day we did a day trip up to Isle of Skye to see the fairy ponds and highland range, it was unreal! We were lucky enough to have a great tour guide who made a stop at the river and bridge that Tinkerbell was inspired by. We also got to see Eilean Donan Castle and get some fresh scones with jam. The tour ended off at the fairy pond where we dunked our faces in the water. Legend has it that if you dunk your face in the fairy pond you’ll be granted eternal beauty!
Reflecting on my time in the primary school I noticed how intentionally the community fostered student agency. Student rights were posted throughout the building in clear, kid-friendly language, making it easy for everyone to access and understand. It was something simple that made students seen, capable, and valued contributors to their school community.
The learners themselves embodied this culture. They were consistently kind, respectful, and genuinely engaged in their learning. I truly enjoyed this experience and would recommend it to anyone who has the opportunity to participate!
Since returning home I’ve had a chance to reflect on my time in Scotland, travelling, and my experiences in primary school. Travelling and teaching abroad taught me that not everything goes as planned, but I’ve come to see those moments as the best part!
I learned to adapt quickly, embrace new perspectives, and grow as an educator. Experiencing a different school culture expanded my understanding of what meaningful learning can look like. Living in another country helped me strengthen my independence and confidence, while working in a new classroom helped me reflect on my own practices and the kind of teacher I hope to become.
Cheers!
Emma
