HMIE Inspection Report

 

Here are some of the comments from our recent HMIe report, published  March 2008.

 

"Pupils regularly attend after-schools clubs to learn skills in computing, football, running and thinking skills.  They were supported in their learning at the homework club.  A well attended breakfast club had recently been introduced to support pupils and their families.  Pupils, staff and parents had worked hard to achieve silver Eco Schools Scotland award.  Pupils from the gardening club were awarded a bronze certificate from the Royal Caledonian Horticultural Society for their garden design."

 

"Staff had developed systematic approaches to assessing pupils' learning needs when the pupils were enrolled at the school.  This assessment ensured that pupils progressed at an appropriate rate and learning activities matched their needs.  Those who required revision or who had gaps in their knowledge were readily identified and supported effectively."

 

"Class teachers provided learning opportunities that met the needs of the pupils well.  They had developed a range of strategies including problem solving and critical thinking to improve the level of challenge for the highest attaining pupils." 

 

"Across the school, pupils worked effectively in pairs and small groups.  They engaged enthusiastically in stimulating learning activities.  Pupils were clear about what they were expected to learn.  They were motiviated to learn and worked at a brisk pace."  

 

"Learning assistants worked effectively in all classes to support groups and individual pupils.  They provided well judged assistance to pupils and worked cooperatively with teaching staff."  

 

"The headteacher and her depute worked effectively as senior managers and knew the staff and pupils well.  Both took responsibilities for discussing learning and teaching with class teachers.  They had successfully led an appropriately focused range of staff development opportunities.  They monitored the implementation of a range of agreed strategies.  This had improved pupils' learning and their awareness of what is expected of them."

 

"Overall, levels of attainment had continued to improve in English language and mathematics.  Most pupils now attained appropriate national levels.  In mathematics there had been a significant increase in overall levels of attainment.  The proportion of pupils attaining beyond appropriate national levels in mathematics had increased very significantly."