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Inspector gives verdict on Black Isle secondary school


By Ian Duncan

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Fortrose Academy locator.Picture: Gair Fraser. Image No. ..Fortrose Academy locator.
Fortrose Academy locator.Picture: Gair Fraser. Image No. ..Fortrose Academy locator.

A BLACK Isle school has been given a mixed report following the latest inspection by a team from Education Scotland.

Fortrose Academy was visited in December and the results were published last week.

It was rated as good in two areas which were inspected – learning, teaching and assessment as well as raising attainment and achievement.

An inspector, Frances Graham, said in her report: “We are confident that the school has the capacity to continue to improve and so we will make no more visits in connection with this inspection.

“Highland Council will inform parents and carers about the school’s progress as part of its arrangements for reporting on the quality of its schools.”

It was felt that improvements could be made in two areas and the matter has been discussed with both the headteacher and a Highland Council representative.

The report has recommended that staff should ensure learning across the curriculum, particularly from years S1 to S3, takes better account of what young people already know through an integrated approach to learning, teaching, assessment and moderation – which should help to ensure that all tasks and activities were better matched to the young people’s needs.

It also recommended the school should also build on existing practice to developing approaches for checking progress made by learners, again from years S1 to S3, to make sure they are making appropriate progress.

According to the inspection report the school’s strengths included a calm and purposeful environment for learning which resulted in young people working very well independently – the students also played an active role in supporting others in the local community.

Inspectors also found a highly effective use of digital technology, which was “enhancing learning experiences across the curriculum”, and attainment of young people in national qualifications was consistently in line with, or above, other schools with learners with similar needs and backgrounds across the country.

Attendance at the academy is generally above the national average and exclusions there are generally below the national average.

Fortrose Academy is a six-year secondary school which serves the Black Isle area and draws pupils from seven associated primary schools – Avoch, Cromarty, Culbokie, North Kessock, Munlochy, Resolis and Tore.

Parents have been updated on the report which can be read here.

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