15 September 2025
HUPE in Scotland: I would walk 500 more!
The Croatian Association of Teachers of English (HUPE), in collaboration with the Agency for Education and Training, organized an inspiring professional development program in Edinburgh during the spring break for 33 enthusiastic English language teachers from Croatia. A delightful surprise awaited the group on their Lufthansa flight, where the crew recognized HUPE, made a special announcement, offered gifts, and wished the participants a successful journey—setting the tone for a memorable adventure.
Our colleague Robert was, once again, a phenomenal guide—revealing hidden corners of Edinburgh and sharing both amusing and amazing stories about the city's history and its indomitable people. Along the way, we met Dolly the sheep and enjoyed the wonders of the National Museum of Scotland.
Under the guidance of Anita Jokić, the group explored many of Edinburgh’s iconic landmarks and engaged in a variety of enriching educational activities. Over five fulfilling days, the participants collected a wealth of valuable materials, later compiled into a comprehensive teaching handbook. This resource is now available to support classroom instruction in literature, culture, and the civilization of the United Kingdom—with a special focus on Scotland and its vibrant capital, Edinburgh.
From the moment we arrived, the city cast its spell. We were welcomed by the sounds of bagpipes on cobblestone streets, the charm of Scottish English, and the powerful echoes of a proud, layered history. We traveled beyond Edinburgh into the mystical Highlands, filled with lochs and legends, strolled through Glasgow’s vibrant streets, and followed the River Clyde’s path. Along the way, we enjoyed traditional dishes, tasted whisky and ale, and absorbed the culture’s timeless soul.
One morning included a visit to the Scottish Parliament, a strikingly modern building complete with rooftop beehives. We also toured the University of Edinburgh’s Moray House School of Education and Sport, where we visited the historic Old Moray House (dating back to 1625), still central to teacher training today.
Dr. Ashley Simpson and Dr. Ken Fordyce, Co-Heads of the Institute for Language Education, along with Dr. Chia-Ying Yang, Programme Director for the MSc in Language Education, gave us a fascinating presentation on postgraduate language studies. We explored possibilities for future collaboration and joint research.
A highlight was our visit to the Royal Yacht Britannia—if it was good enough for the Queen, it’s certainly good enough for us! We also visited the Palace of Holyroodhouse, uncovered royal secrets, and engaged in a bit of roleplay—concluding that some of our colleagues would make excellent queens! We also visited the Royal Botanic Garden and walked in the literary footsteps of legends like Agatha Christie and J.K. Rowling—discovering places where the latter wrote parts of the Harry Potter series.
Another standout moment came during our visit to James Gillespie’s High School, our host school in Edinburgh. Huge thanks to the British Embassy Zagreb, British Council Croatia, and Conor Snowden (former British Council Croatia Director) for choosing such an exceptional institution. Founded in 1803, James Gillespie’s sits in the heart of Edinburgh, surrounded by landmarks such as the Royal Mile, the Scottish Parliament, and Edinburgh Castle. The Queen Mother herself attended the opening ceremony of the new school building—underscoring its significance. We were amazed by the warm, open atmosphere and the impressive facilities: a swimming pool, cooking lab, mental health department, conservatory, gym, sports hall, dance studio, music hall, and individual practice rooms. The curriculum includes unique subjects like gardening, cooking, arts and crafts, journalism, and support therapy—with the help of a puppy!
Nine generous teachers opened their classrooms to us, allowing us to observe and interact with students. Our knowledgeable student guides gave us a comprehensive tour of the school, and every teacher we met praised their headteacher, Professor Neil McCallum—and we couldn't agree more. Notably, James Gillespie’s is the only school in Edinburgh (and possibly all of Scotland) without school uniforms, a decision made by student vote.
One afternoon was dedicated to a group treasure hunt. Divided into teams, we followed clues leading us to different locations including Arthur’s Seat, Dean Village, Calton Hill, the Museum of Childhood, the People’s Story Museum, the Museum of Edinburgh, and Princes Street Gardens. It was an exciting activity that brought Edinburgh’s geography and history to life.
Thank you to everyone who made this unforgettable journey possible. Scotland, you’ve inspired us—and we’ll be sharing your magic with our students back home!
Truly unforgettable!
