S6 pupils are diving into a broad range of gap year opportunities, exploring new and additional experiences after completing the final year of their school education.

Earlier this year, around February, S6 pupils Harry and Vera embarked on an exciting journey. By the end of July, both had received and accepted offers from Shanghai Fudan University, one of China’s top universities. They completed rigorous HSK tests and an extensive online application process, including writing personal statements in Mandarin. They were awarded full scholarships for a one-year gap year program, and now they are all set to begin this incredible adventure in Shanghai!

Vera shared: “Learning Mandarin was a very important part of school for me and I feel lucky to have had it as an option up to Advanced Higher. This opportunity to study in Shanghai is so exciting as it will allow us to push ourselves and improve our language in a completely new world. I really want to thank Mrs Adam for her support with this; she gave up so many lunchtimes and time after school to help us study for the exam and prepare everything and I don’t think it would have been possible without her.”

Harry, 2023-2024 School Captain, said: “On learning from Vera about a scholarship to study Mandarin in China for a year, it seemed like an incredible opportunity to help me to reach my goal of becoming fluent in Mandarin. I could spend a year improving my language ability and immersing myself in Chinese culture before coming back to do a degree in economics.

“In class, Mrs Adam has always been so enthusiastic and passionate about our learning and it was an excellent environment to be in. My favourite part of her class was when we would learn about the contrasts between China and the UK, including anything from the schools to the dialects in different parts of the country. I am really excited to see the country that I have learned so much about over the past 6 years with my own eyes. I am so grateful to both Vera and Mrs Adam for their help and support with this opportunity.”

Mrs Adam, Teacher of Mandarin, commented: “Both Harry and Vera started Mandarin learning in S1. Over the years, I am not just impressed by the progress they have made, but I also really admire their genuine passion for the Chinese language and culture. They are always curious about what we learned and always seek every single opportunity to practise Mandarin beyond the classroom.

“Earlier this year, they decided to apply for an international scholarship programme in Shanghai Fudan University as a gap year. Fudan University is one of the best universities in China and Asia, their international scholarship is very competitive.

“Now they are about to carry on their learning journey in China. I am so proud of them. I have no doubt they will continue to thrive and I am looking forward to hearing all of the stories when they are in China! I wish them all the best in their next exciting adventure!”

Mr Campbell, Head of Languages, highlighted: “I am so incredibly excited for Vera and Harry, who are about to embark upon an extraordinary gap year at Shanghai Fudan University. This experience will be a wonderful opportunity for them to immerse themselves fully in a new culture, enhancing their language skills in a way that can only be achieved through real-world practice. Beyond the classroom, they will learn invaluable lessons about tolerance, diversity, and the richness of different ways of life.

“Our integrated 3-18 approach of language learning enables pupils to leave school with a high level of proficiency in their chosen subject. Many, like Vera and Harry, continue their studies at university, often part of a joint degree with another specialist area, or taking a gap year abroad. A gap year like this not only brings about personal growth, but also broadens horizons, shaping well-rounded, globally-minded individuals ready to make their mark on the world. It’s an experience I would recommend to all students, whether prior to undertaking university studies, or as part of their degree programme.”

In the 2024 SQA exam results pupils achieved an average 90% A-B pass rate at National 5 French, German, Latin, Mandarin or Spanish. At Advanced Higher, there was an impressive 100% A-C pass rate in Latin.