We are delighted to share the remarkable journey of our students who recently returned from a deeply enriching cultural exchange and service-learning expedition to Edinburgh, Scotland. From March 7th to 16th, 2026, a delegation of eight S4 students, under the dedicated guidance of Mr. Hui Ming Chun and Ms. Li On Ki, embarked on a transformative ten-day program in the historic Scottish capital, bridging the distance between our two cultures through education and community service.

The academic heart of this exchange was centered at our partner school, Liberton High School. Moving beyond the perspective of typical visitors, our students fully immersed themselves in the local school community through an intensive shadowing program. By attending a diverse array of classes alongside their Scottish peers—ranging from the creative disciplines of Photography and Design to the analytical discussions of History—they gained invaluable first-hand experience of the United Kingdom's educational landscape. This integration allowed them to navigate the daily rhythms of a foreign school environment, fostering a global perspective and building international friendships that transcend borders.

A defining element of this year's tour was its emphasis on Service Learning, which challenged our students to apply their skills as cultural ambassadors and compassionate volunteers. At two local primary schools, our students took on the roles of "Little Teachers," designing and delivering workshops that introduced Hong Kong's unique culture to young Scottish learners. Through the rhythmic strokes of Cantonese calligraphy (Fai Chun), the delicate art of origami, and the energetic play of traditional games like "Eagle Catches Chickens", they successfully promoted Chinese culture while gaining a profound appreciation for the art of teaching.

Furthermore, the spirit of civic responsibility was exemplified through the students' involvement at a local community center. Here, they dedicated their time to preparing and serving meals to those in need within the district. This direct engagement with the local community provided a sobering yet inspiring look at social welfare in Scotland, allowing students to witness the tangible impact of collective care and support. This experience was instrumental in nurturing the core values of empathy and benevolence, helping our S4 students grow into more socially conscious individuals.

Reflecting on the trip, the participants noted that the joy of sharing their culture and the gratitude received during their service hours left a lasting mark on their personal growth. We are immensely proud of our students for representing the school with such maturity and enthusiasm. As we look forward to future international collaborations, we remain committed to providing opportunities that not only broaden our students' academic horizons but also nurture them into compassionate, world-ready citizens who carry the spirit of service wherever they go.

Student's reflection :

4A LAM ON SANG ANSON

During March I was honoured to be selected by my school to take part in an exchange trip to Edinburgh, Scotland, accompanied by Mr Hui, Ms Li and seven fellow students. Although it was only a ten-day visit, the experience taught me a great deal and left me with vivid, lasting memories.

The highlight for me was spending a week as an exchange student at Liberton High School. Before the trip I admit I worried about fitting in and how others would treat me, even if it was just for a short time. Those anxieties vanished the moment we arrived: the staff and our assigned buddies welcomed us warmly. My two buddies showed me around the school, introduced me to aspects of Scottish life, and shared their culture generously. We chatted easily and I was surprised by how quickly our relationship felt familiar — not once did I feel awkward.

One moment that still stands out is the session I led at Gilmerton Primary School on Hong Kong culture. I talked about our street food and childhood games, and the children listened with real curiosity and enthusiasm. Their attentiveness made the experience rewarding and reminded me that cultural exchange is a two-way conversation: I taught them something about Hong Kong, and they taught me how to communicate across differences.

I also loved learning traditional Scottish dances on our last day at Liberton. Dancing kept us warm and laughing despite the cold, and the atmosphere was joyful and unselfconscious. Saying goodbye was unexpectedly hard — we took Polaroids as mementos, exchanged contacts, and promised to keep in touch. I'm grateful that we still message each other now.

Although the trip was brief, it showed me that friendship and understanding cross borders. The week in Edinburgh strengthened my confidence to step into unfamiliar environments and deepened my appreciation for cultural exchange. If another opportunity arises, I would seize it without hesitation.

4D LIU PAK LUN

My exchange tour to Edinburgh was an eye-opening experience that challenged my usual perspectives. Visiting our buddy school, I was immediately struck by the warmth and extroversion of my buddy and his friends. Their open and lively way of communicating felt unfamiliar at first, as it contrasts with the more reserved style of interaction I am used to in Hong Kong. However, I quickly came to appreciate their directness and found it made forming connections effortless.

The differences in the education system were equally striking. Instead of students moving between classes, the teachers remain in their rooms while we changed classrooms for each subject—a system that encouraged adaptability. Academically, I noticed the curriculum felt less pressured and more straightforward than what I'm accustomed to, with less emphasis on intense competition. While initially surprising, I grew to value this approach, seeing how it fosters a collaborative and relaxed learning environment. This experience taught me the value of stepping outside my comfort zone and showed me that different educational philosophies each hold their own unique strengths.