Alness Academy could do better, say inspectors
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MORE work needs to be done to increase the chances of Alness Academy pupils entering further or higher education.
That is one of the findings in a report by the schools inspectorate, Education Scotland, published this week.
Inspectors who visited the 470-pupil academy found children enjoyed learning at school, behaved well and engaged positively in lessons. They got on well with their teachers and valued the willingness of staff to support them in homework clubs and at lunchtimes.
But inspectors said: "Across the school, young people’s learning experiences are not of a consistently high enough quality. Overall, they are often too passive in their learning as a result of overly teacher-led approaches.
"They need increased responsibility to lead their own learning and to engage in activities that help them to think for themselves.
"In most lessons, young people are clear about the purpose of the learning activities and what success looks like, but they do not always understand what they need to do to improve."
Inspectors praised an innovative approach to learning at Alness Academy – the introduction of tablet computers in S4 to S6.
"Teachers are using them well to enable young people to work together inside and outside the classroom and to encourage independent learning through access to course materials and websites," they said.
Inspectors also praised the annual dance drama, Rock Challenge, which is led by the youngsters themselves and helped develop their leadership skills and sense of pride in their school and community.
But inspectors found that the school does not have a clear enough view of pupils’ progress from S1 to S3, and from S4 to S6 attainment in national qualifications remains below that of other young people with similar needs and backgrounds.
Inspectors said: "More young people from Alness Academy go on to employment than young people with similar needs and
backgrounds in schools across Scotland.
"There is considerable scope to improve young people’s chances of entering further or higher education should they wish to do so. The school should continue to raise expectations of what young people can do and achieve."
There was praise for headteacher Laura Gordon, who, inspectors said, had a clear vision for improving the school in her first year in post.
"She is providing effective leadership and encouraging staff to take on more responsibility for improving their practice," said inspectors. She has established a range of systems to evaluate the quality of the school’s work. This is resulting in a stronger commitment to
self-evaluation among staff.
"Staff now need to take a strong lead collectively in improving learning, teaching and attainment, working as a team to improve the school." Inspectors were of the view that the school needed additional support, with more time to make necessary improvements. They said Education Scotland would maintain contact to monitor Alness Academy and carry out a further inspection within 18 months.
Highland Council said it welcomed the Education Scotland report.
Donald Paterson, the council’s Education Quality Improvement Manager for Mid Area schools, said: "We are very pleased that the report recognises the strong leadership of headteacher Laura Gordon and her management team, while also acknowledging the willingness of teachers to lead developments in various ways, for example through the use of tablet computers to enhance the learning experience of pupils.
The report also highlights the positive engagement and good behaviour of the pupils at the school, which is a tribute to our young people."
He said the headteacher had been providing a clear direction for the school as it worked to improve attainment and was confident that the action plan would bring the necessary good results.
