Information Bulletin
8 June 2004
High Expectations in Lunnasting
HM Inspectors have commended Lunnasting Primary School teachers for their strong commitment and the high expectations they have for pupils' learning and achievement.
In the school's HMIe report, published today (8 June 2004), inspectors have judged that the school has a positive partnership with parents; a strong ethos of achievement; is very committed to supporting pupils' care and welfare; and, in common with many reports on Shetland schools, the quality of accommodation and facilities comes in for particular praise.
Lunnasting Primary School cater for twenty-eight pupils from the area around Vidlin and is well known for its efforts in the area of environmental education. The school was the first in Scotland to attain permanent Eco-school status due to the considerable efforts made in previous years by the former Head Teacher, Norma Smith.
Inspectors note that the pupils' attainment in reading, writing and mathematics has steadily improved. However, they point out that there is a need to provide more challenge for some of their pupils.
The inspectors saw pastoral care of the pupils as a key strength of the school including the efforts made in the area of health promotion and out of school activities. Dance and drama were also seen as a strength of the school.
The leadership of the acting Head Teacher, Fiona Marshall, was highlighted as being very good because of the positive steps she had taken to establish good relationships with parents.
Inspectors note that staff has already begun to improve their planning and assessment of pupils' learning - which is one of the points for action they recommend.
The school is also asked to work with parents to improve pupils' tolerance and respect for others, as well as to involve pupils more regularly in decisions about improving the school and their own learning.
Ends