Life at ECS Scotland: city walks, conversations and summer in Edinburgh

What happened at ECS Scotland this week?

This week, lessons have included General English, Communication at Work, one-to-one classes and the Experience Edinburgh course.

Across the school, conversations have covered work, travel, current affairs, local culture and life in different countries. With a maximum of five people in each class, there is time for everyone to participate, ask questions and receive individual feedback from the teacher.

The Experience Edinburgh course has continued to combine classroom learning with guided exploration of the city. Recent walks have included Dean Village, the Water of Leith and Edinburgh's New Town, using the city itself as a starting point for discussion, vocabulary development and listening practice.

English between lessons

The coffee room is often one of the liveliest places in the school.

Current conversations have ranged from restaurant recommendations and weekend plans to professional life, travel experiences and cultural differences. For many people, these informal discussions become an enjoyable part of their time in Edinburgh and a natural way to continue speaking English outside class.

Featured Edinburgh visit: Jupiter Artland

If you are looking for something different from Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile, Jupiter Artland is well worth considering.

Located just outside the city, the sculpture park combines contemporary art, woodland walks and beautifully maintained gardens. It is easy to spend several hours exploring the outdoor installations and open spaces.

If you enjoy art, photography, design, nature or simply spending time outdoors, it offers a rewarding day out during your stay in Edinburgh.

What's happening in Edinburgh this month?

The Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival begins this week and runs from 17–26 July, bringing live music to venues across the city.

For anyone studying English in Edinburgh this month, it is an opportunity to experience another side of the city's cultural life after lessons. Performances take place in venues ranging from small bars to larger concert halls, with events taking place throughout the festival period.

Popular walking routes at this time of year include the Water of Leith, Dean Village and the paths around the Royal Botanic Garden.

Around the school

We recently completed an upgrade to our classrooms with the installation of new teaching screens.

The new screens provide clearer audio for listening activities and make lesson materials easier to see from anywhere in the room.

Looking ahead

With the Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival beginning this week and the summer season continuing across the city, there will be plenty more to explore in the weeks ahead.

We look forward to sharing more classroom stories, city discoveries and Edinburgh recommendations in next week's update.