Improvement in progress at Breadalbane Academy
Last updated | 26/03/2008
An HMIe follow-through inspection report of Breadalbane Academy, which is published today (25 March 2008), identifies that positive progress is being made on areas for improvement.
The all-through school in Aberfeldy was initially inspected in December 2005, with that report published in April 2006. HM Inspectors returned to the school in December 2007 to assess how the school was continuing to improve the quality of its work and evaluate progress on the main points for action raised in the initial report.
The inspectors praised the very effective leadership and hard work done by the acting headteacher to improve the school by increasing staff involvement in this area and effectively managing staff changes at senior level. The quality of learning, teaching and attainment had improved through working groups which the headteacher had established and links between the primary and secondary departments had been successfully strengthened.
Good overall progress, with elements of very good practice was being made on the development of more effective and integrated approaches to pupil support in the secondary department. 'Well-judged arrangements' had been drawn up by the depute headteacher in consultation with support for learning staff and a leaflet for parents had been produced. The recording of pupils' additional learning needs was more systematic and learning support teachers and support assistants were being deployed more effectively.
Very good progress had been made in English language and mathematics at primary level. Good progress was also being made to improve the effectiveness of the school's self-evaluation processes for raising attainment and ensuring a high quality learning and teaching experience for all pupils. Good practice was being shared more widely across the school. Inspectors also identified that 'important steps' had been taken to enhance both the monitoring of pupils' progress and planning for future learning.
The report notes that adequate progress had been made on the other two points for action, regarding teamwork and leadership, and effective pastoral care arrangements. The acting headteacher was praised for her strong support to boost teamworking within the school, bringing together primary and secondary staff through working groups and professional development activities that were increasing their contribution to the whole school's development.
Pupils had greater opportunities to express their views and be involved in decisions about the school through a revised pupil council and other activities. Senior pupils at both primary and secondary level were developing leadership skills as house captains and providing support to younger pupils in class. Pupils questioned by inspectors felt positive about most aspects of school life, however only a small number of questionnaires were issued. Plans were in place to relaunch the school's positive behaviour policy.
The Council will provide HM Inspectors and parents with a further report on the school's progress by April 2009.
Lifelong Learning Convener Councillor Liz Grant said: "This report clearly sets out that progress is being made across all the areas Inspectors identified in their initial visit to Breadalbane Academy. The acting headteacher has brought stability at a time of change in the school where the normal turnover of staff was greater than expected and worked hard with her senior management team to drive forward continuous improvement across the school.
"I would like to assure parents and pupils that this positive trend will continue, with the ongoing support of Education and Children's Services. Our aim is to provide all pupils with a high quality learning experience that meets their needs."
