SCEN Update February 2026
From Simon Macaulay, Chair, SCEN
Wishing you a joyful and prosperous Year of the Horse!
🐎马年大吉🐎
SCEN & CFS Lecture 2026
We are delighted to confirm that the next SCEN & China Futures Society lecture (title to be confirmed) will take place on Thursday 19 March 2026, continuing the collaboration established in 2025. The event will bring together teachers, students, members of the wider SCEN community and colleagues from the University of Edinburgh for an early-evening session of shared learning and discussion.
We are pleased to welcome Julia Herries, currently working with Engage With China, bringing extensive international experience in UK–China educational and professional engagement. We will also be joined by Francesca Leiper, an Edinburgh-based Chinese culture and publishing specialist with significant experience in UK–China cultural exchange and higher education collaboration. Together, they will share reflections on Mandarin learning, educational engagement and experiences that foster mutual cultural understanding between the UK and China. As well as a lecture and discussion this, as in previous years, will also be a social event allowing those attending, friends of CFS and SCEN to network over a soft drink and some light refreshments.
We look forward to welcoming participants from across our network and building on the success of last year’s lecture.
Date:Thursday 19 March 2026
Time: 17:00–19:00
Venue: Lecture Hall A, 40 George Square, University of Edinburgh
Title: TBC
SCHOOL SPECIFIC EVENTS AT MEARNS CASTLE HIGH SCHOOL
On 15 January 2026, SCEN was pleased to support a Youth Event at Mearns Castle High School, attended by approximately 220 students from the school’s entire S2 cohort. The session featured short talks from James Brodie (China-Britain Business Council), Willow Bailey (China Futures Society, University of Edinburgh), and Ana Scougall (PGDE Languages, University of Strathclyde).
Drawing on their own educational and professional journeys, the speakers shared how learning Mandarin and modern languages had shaped their study paths, career opportunities and wider life experiences. They also highlighted concrete opportunities available to young people, including scholarships and funded study pathways linked to language learning. From international business to university study and teacher training, their perspectives offered students a tangible sense of how languages can open doors in diverse and unexpected ways.
With strong engagement from the S2 year group, the event provided an encouraging moment for students to reflect on their own learning journeys and the possibilities that Mandarin and global connections may bring.
If your school may be interested in such an event, please contact admin@scen.info.
Edinburgh Chinese New Year Concert 2026
SCEN is pleased to share details of the 2026 Edinburgh Chinese New Year Concert, a distinctive cultural celebration that has grown steadily since its launch in 2016. Supported by the City of Edinburgh Council, the Chinese Consulate-General in Edinburgh, Bank of China (UK) Limited and other partners, the concert has become an established highlight in Scotland’s cultural calendar, bringing together the Chinese community and wider audiences to celebrate the Lunar New Year.
This year’s programme will feature the Edinburgh Symphony Orchestra performing alongside Chinese musicians, presenting works by composer Bingyuan Cui, including Dun and Huang and Silk Road Orient. The concert also marks the 40th anniversary of the sister-city relationship between Xi’an and Edinburgh, blending Eastern and Western musical traditions inspired by the Silk Road.
Event Details
Date: Sunday, 15 February 2026
Dragon and Lion Dances: 17:30
Concert: 19:30
Venue: Usher Hall, Lothian Road, Edinburgh, EH1 2EA
Tickets are now on sale and availability is limited. We warmly encourage members and schools to book early and join this special celebration at the Usher Hall to welcome the Year of the Horse together.
Bookings:
Tel: 0131 228 1155
Email: boxoffice@edinburgh.gov.uk
https://cultureedinburgh.com/events/chinese-new-year-celebration
Supporting Curriculum Internationalisation: Chinese Language Assistant 2026–27
SCILT is offering primary and secondary state schools the opportunity to host a Chinese Language Assistant free of charge during the 2026–27 academic year.
The assistant can support the delivery of L3 Mandarin across primary and BGE classes, contribute to interdisciplinary learning projects such as Eco Learning Partners (ELP), organise live links with partner schools in China, and collaborate through Virtual Exchange Teachers (VETs). Schools may also benefit from team teaching, small-group speaking activities, and support for senior phase learners preparing for National Qualifications through the Discovering China programme.
This opportunity may complement or strengthen existing Mandarin provision within your school or cluster. For further information, please contact:
scilt-chinese@strath.ac.uk
FIND OUT MORE...
For further information on SCEN activity please do not hesitate to contact us at admin@scen.info or visit our website.
Best wishes to you all,
Simon Macaulay
Chair
SCEN
