Top marks for Ross-shire school
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A ROSS-shire school and its "very committed head teacher" have received top marks after a visit by inspectors.
Hill of Fearn Primary School had a positive report following an HMIe Inspection, which identified a number of key strengths.
These included:
• Sustained high achievement.
• Children’s ability to take responsibility for their own learning.
• The impact of systems which help teachers to improve.
• Teamwork to meet the learning needs of all children.
• The Headteacher’s clear direction and leadership for learning.
The report on the school stated children learn very well and achieve highly across the school as they are motivated and enthusiastic about learning. It told how the curriculum provides children with a range of appropriate learning activities and participation and that pupils are involved actively in almost all their lessons and take responsibility for many activities. It added that the pupils are able to talk about their learning and, as individuals, know what they need to do to improve. They also noted that, across the school, children are very good at working and learning together.
The reported also commented very favourably on the leadership of what it described as a very committed head teacher. The inspectors stated she provides a clear direction for the school and that the staff, including the principal teacher, parents and other partners work together very successfully to ensure that the school continues to improve.
The inspectors made only one recommendation to the school - that it should continue to involve children and parents in the development of the curriculum to ensure the design principles of Curriculum for Excellence are embedded in all aspects of learning. They are confident the school has the capacity to continue to provide a very high quality of education in the future and will make no further visits in connection with this inspection.
Commenting on the report head teacher Eileen Henderson said: "I am delighted that the hard work, effectiveness and commitment of pupils, parents and staff has been recognised by HMIe. We are especially pleased with the positive feedback we received on our implementation of the new curriculum. We look forward to working with all stakeholders to continue to develop the curriculum to enhance the learning and achievements of our pupils."
Chairperson of the Parent Council, John Scott, said that parents are delighted with the findings.
He added: "Our team of teachers and support staff put in a tremendous amount of effort throughout the school year and a report of this quality comes as no great surprise. Our school role is rising year on year and every class has the feel good factor and positive attitude towards learning that we as parents are looking for."
Bill Fernie, chair of the Education, Culture and Sport Committee, is also pleased by the report.
He said: "I am delighted that HMIe have recognised the quality practice in Hill of Fearn Primary. The report reflects the very positive learning ethos within the school and the very motivated and enthusiastic pupils and staff, the latter of whom work together very effectively to ensure the best possible experience for their students. The head teacher has provided a strategic direction for the school which has resulted in this highly positive report."
