PUPILS at a South Lanarkshire school are celebrating this week after a fantastic ‘report card’ from inspectors.
Zoe Barbour and Scott Fleming, sixth year pupils who are school captains at Strathaven Academy, joined headteacher Waheeda Huq in expressing their delight at the findings.
Zoe said: “As senior pupils we enjoyed being part of the inspection. We recognise that the Academy is an important part of our local community and we take great pride in our pursuit to be the best we can.”
Scott added: “Although admittedly daunting, the inspection presented us with an opportunity to showcase Strathaven Academy and be proud of everything we have achieved.”
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Ms Huq said: “I am extremely grateful to our staff, young people, families, partners and local authority representatives who have supported us in achieving a positive inspection.
“We foster a supportive ethos across the school and wider community which enables our pupils to succeed.
“As headteacher, I am extremely proud that the pupils of Strathaven Academy are friendly, polite and respectful, and display a positive attitude to their learning.
“As a school, we will continue to provide opportunities for our young people through our highly effective partnerships with parents, local businesses and external agencies to enable all learners to leave Strathaven Academy equipped with the skills and knowledge to thrive as responsible, respectful and resilient citizens.”
Inspectors said key strengths of the school included young people’s “hardworking and purposeful contribution to creating a calm and productive environment for learning” and teachers who have developed “a very strong understanding of national standards and expectations.”
The report added: “This is enhanced by a planned programme of peer working across the local authority, led by the school leadership team. Young people in the senior phase are well informed about their strengths and next steps in learning.”
Inspectors also remarked upon the school’s high levels of attainment.
Areas for improvement, identified and discussed with the headteacher and a representative from South Lanarkshire Council, included a requirement to “continue with planned work to embed the skills framework so that young people can talk confidently about the skills they are developing.”
The report also noted: “Teachers should continue to develop high-quality learning, teaching and assessment. This includes the planning of tasks and activities that are engaging and set at the right level of difficulty for all young people.”
The full report is available on the Education Scotland website.
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