Kinross High School is praised following inspection
Last updated | 03/06/2008
HMIe inspectors have praised Kinross High for being a “high-attaining school” with good standards of teaching and a wide range of opportunities for learning.
In an inspection report published today (Tuesday 3 June) the school is also congratulated for its very good exam results, action to promote pupils’ health and well-being and the work being done to enhance pupils’ personal and social development.
The school was inspected in January and February 2008.
Inspectors found that the quality of the curriculum and overall quality of teaching was good. The report said most teachers had a purposeful approach to lessons, gave clear explanations and used varied approaches to help pupils learn.
The report said that in English the quality of teaching, provision for meeting learning needs and pupils’ experience was good. The quality of students’ performance was very good and high standards were either improving or being maintained.
In mathematics the quality of teaching, pupil’s performance, provision for meeting learning needs and pupils’ experiences were all good, and in modern languages provision was evaluated as very good across the same criteria. The quality of teaching in physical education was also reported as very good, and the quality of arrangements for meeting learning needs was considered to be excellent.
At S1/S2, almost half of pupils were exceeding appropriate national levels in reading, and a third were doing so in mathematics, inspectors found.
The report said that a common approach across the school towards issues such as healthy eating and projects involving subjects like science and music was offering students “increasingly rich opportunities for enhancing their learning.”
The school encouraged pupils’ personal and social development very well, and there were considerable opportunities for achievement in sporting, cultural and community-based activities. Some pupils had represented Scotland nationally in sport, inspectors noted.
Pupils also developed citizenship skills through year group councils and the school council. These groups had helped improve the playground, taken the lead on school recycling activities and helped organise a social event for older people in the community.
Inspectors concluded: “Kinross High School was a high-attaining school where almost all pupils were motivated, responsive and well-behaved. Staff and pupils morale was high and had improved.”
Lifelong Learning Convener, Councillor Liz Grant, said: “Overall, this is a very positive inspection report in a range of areas and I am delighted for the pupils and staff at Kinross High. This report is testament to all their hard work.
“The inspectors did pick up on three points for improvement, and of course these will be looked at. We are never complacent – we are constantly looking to drive forward improvements in our schools wherever we can. As a Council we are committed to providing the highest standard of education possible for everyone in Perth and Kinross.”
