Progress report call on Ross-shire's largest secondary school
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SCHOOL inspectors are to monitor progress at one of the biggest secondary schools in the Highlands following a recent review at Dingwall Academy.
A report found that the school needs to focus on ensuring all staff including senior leaders and principals "are clear about their role in bringing about the improvement in young people's learning and development".
The review by Education Scotland identified positive and respectful relationships at the school fostered by the head teacher and an inclusive and supportive environment where young people could learn and achieve.
The students were also described as "polite and well behaved" with positive attitudes to their learning which was a credit to the school and community.
And the school was praised for its work with the wider community to offer opportunities for young people to enhance their skills and attributes.
But inspectors found several areas for improvement were required.
Education Scotland's inspectors' report said most teachers organise lessons well.
"However teachers are not yet planning learning which meets the need of all learners in each class.
"Important school developments including information and communications technology, and Developing the Young Workforce, have the potential to add stimulus and new ideas to teaching."
The inspectors said while they observed a few lessons which were of a very high quality, too often young people spend "too long as passive recipients and are not actively engaged with the learning activity."
Analysis of senior phase attainment lacked "a shared consistent approach across the school to agree strategies which will raise attainment."
Young people, the inspectors say, and the school's partners, need to be involved in planning, delivering and learning across the school.
Systematic monitoring and tracking of progress achievement across all stages of young people would support pupils to know they were doing well and what the need to do to improve the report adds.
ES state in a letter to the local authority and the school they will ask Highland Council for a report on progress on agreed areas for improvement within 12 months.
"Taking account of the progress report we will then decide whether further engagement with the school is required."
