First, it was an amazing way to get to know everyone is both cohort 35 and 34. We were able to learn about strengths and weaknesses, both for ourselves and others. This is especially important as a leader to know other's strengths and how to utilize them for the benefit of the whole. It is something to remember when needing to build culture in your school. You need to know your team well and how you respond to each individual, as well as, how they will respond to you.
     Traveling outside the country, or going outside your comfort zone, grows and stretches you in ways that could not be achieved at home or through an online course. As a leader, this is important because you will be put into situations that are outside of your comfort zone. There will be times when you will have to make decisions that others will not agree with but stand firm in your decision.
     Additionally, we can read all we want about countries like Scotland and England but there is nothing that compares to being in the school directly. Sometimes you need to be a part of the experience instead of simply discussing the topic itself.

What a historic day in history we experienced over here in London! Driving around the city and watching it all unravel firsthand was incredibly fascinating. This experience reminded us of the significant importance we have as citizens in our countries. As citizens it is our job to stay up to date on current events and also keep ourselves informed on the happenings of the world. If we are aware and educated on these various topics we are better prepared to help guide our students down the same path. We are also more likely to take part and use our voice as an agent of change when it comes time. Setting children up to understand the government in some capacity will help to guide them to become global citizens later in life. We want our students to become informed, educated, and loyal voters so therefore we must show them and talk to them about situations like this one that we saw so that they can begin to understand the impacts.

It was clear that many of the people we chatted with were unhappy about the decision but they did not use it as an excuse to talk angrily but rather they began discussing possible solutions and hopeful insight. This was a refreshing reminder to take action!

Comparing Educational Experiences in Scotland and England

We found very few similarities in our experiences, even the presentations differed. England was very well organized in the resources and planning of the day. Where Scotland was much more laid back in their educational approach and in our visit.

In Scotland we noticed a sense of autonomy when visiting their school.  The students are able to work at their own pace and choose their own path because not all courses are compulsory.  The teachers feel respected and have a high morale.  The students are excited to learn and the teachers want to be there.

On the other hand schools in England are more similar to what we are used to in the US. We noticed a sense of freedom given to the students at the school we visited. They were able to roam the fields with minimal supervision, when compared to the schools in the US, as well as, walk from class to class on their own. This allows them time to stretch their legs, get a wee bit of fresh air, and socialize with friends. Like in the US  they do quite a bit of standardized testing.  It was unclear if the testing caused as much stress. We feel we did not get a direct answer to some of our questions. They start at stage 1 and continue throughout their educational career.  Teachers are evaluated by performance standards and test scores.  This is not the case in Scotland.

We wish we could have observed more in Scotland to get a more accurate comparison of the two educational systems. It would have been interesting, too to see in the classrooms and at different schools.

Scotland❤️🇬🇧

Our favorite part of Scotland was its rich history. Between visiting Edinburgh Castle, St.Andrews, and the various other landmarks and places of hospitality, what stuck out most out to us was the history of the country. Additionally, the pride along with the history of Scotland. It almost seems like a different world than America. We think of "rare historical" landmarks as places built maybe in the late 19th century or early 20th century. Those landmarks are also few and far between. In Scotland, every building has a story hundreds and hundreds of years old. We were amazed! We are hoping London can live up to the standard Edinburgh has set!

What Sets Scotland Apart?

"As long as a hundred of us remain alive we will never be subject to English dominion, because it is not for glory or riches or honours that we fight but for freedom alone, which no worthy man loses except with his life. " Arbroath 1320.

The Scots develop citizens as whole. It is not about the riches and honours, but about continual growth. Scots believe education should be available to everyone and that money should not be a factor. There is a strong sense of pride among Scots. They are proud of the work they've done and want to have their own sense of identity, even in education. The Scots were not quick to blame or bash the government, but want to remain autonomous regardless of the rest of the UK. We wonder what the English perspective of the Scots are since seems to be a clear divide.