Information Bulletin
04 September 2006
Inspection of Scalloway Junior High School
The inspection of Scalloway Junior High School took place in May 2006. The inspection covered key aspects of the work of the school at all stages. It evaluated pupils’ achievements, the effectiveness of the school, the environment for learning, the school’s processes for self-evaluation and capacity for improvement. There was a particular focus on attainment in English language, mathematics, modern foreign languages and religious and moral education. The inspection team also evaluated aspects of the school’s progress in implementing national recommendations relating to improving aspects of school meals provision.
The key strengths of the school identified were:
- The good progress being made by the Head Teacher in developing a culture of self-evaluation in the school.
- Pupils’ strong sense of identity with the school and their community.
- Staff commitment to pupils and their wellbeing.
- The range of curricular options available to pupils at S3/4.
- The quality of the accommodation.
The inspection team found that parents expressed a high level of satisfaction with the work of the school and that parents, pupils and teachers valued the school and its place in the life of the community. Teachers worked well together and had very good relationships with pupils. In particular, pupils with additional support needs were very well supported by teachers and support staff and were making very good progress.
The inspection also identified a number of main points for action. It was felt that there was a need to:
- Develop pupils’ skills as independent learners.
- Improve provision for personal and social development and religious and moral education.
- Improve attainment in modern languages and religious and moral education.
- Continue to develop self-evaluation and teamwork with a clearer focus on improving the quality of pupils’ learning.
The school and the education authority have been asked to prepare an action plan indicating how they will address the main findings of the report, and to share that plan with parents and carers. Prior to the inspection, the school had itself identified a number of the issues highlighted in the action points and work has already begun to address them.
Head of Schools Service, Mrs Helen Budge, commented: “The inspectors have recognised a range of the key strengths which are undoubtedly present in Scalloway Junior High School and I would like to thank staff and pupils for their hard work in sustaining these aspects of the school. The authority will now work with the school to ensure that the action points which HMIe identified are fully met.”
Within two years of the publication of the report parents and carers will be informed about the progress made by the school.
Ends.