THIS REPORT tells you about the life and work of the school. We (HMIE) visit a sample of primary and secondary schools every year to find out how well they are performing. The name of the HM Inspector who led this inspection team is indicated at the end of this report. Most teams include a member of the public called a lay member who looks at the school from the point of view of the pupils and parents. If you are interested in becoming a lay member; please see the inside back cover. Teams can also include people who are not HMI but who are involved directly in education. They are called associate assessors and they are practising teachers. Each inspection of a primary or secondary school covers key aspects of its work at all stages; including the school's arrangements for child protection. We ensure that inspection and review activities include the full range of pupils in the school.

 

THE REPORT includes evaluations of pupils' achievements, the effectiveness of the school and the environment for learning. It also includes evaluations of how well pupils are supported. We observe learning and teaching and discuss our findings with staff. We check that the school has a good record of improving its work. In primary schools we place a particular focus on English language and mathematics. In secondary schools we also choose two themes to evaluate across the school and in a number of subject areas. The report tells you the subjects which we have inspected. We use questionnaires and interviews to ask parents, carers, pupils, students and staff for their views on key aspects of the work of the school.

 

WE USE PUBLISHED MEASURES OF QUALITY IN INSPECTIONS.  They are called quality indicators and relate evaluations to four levels. Quality indicators also help schools to evaluate their own performance and identify what they need to do to improve. This report uses the following word scale to make clear the evaluations made by inspectors:

 

very good major strengths
good strengths outweigh weaknesses
fair some important weaknesses
unsatisfactory major weaknesses

 

THIS REPORT uses the following words to describe numbers and proportions:  

 

almost all   over 90%
most 75-90%  
majority  50-74%
less than half  15-49%
few up to 15%

 

THIS REPORT  also tells you how well the school is addressing the five National Priorities for Education in Scotland. The national priorities are:

 

ACHIEVEMENT AND ATTAINMENT: to raise standards of educational attainment for all in schools, especially in the core skills of literacy and numeracy, and to achieve better levels in national measures of achievement including examination results;

FRAMEWORK FOR LEARNING:  to support and develop the skills of teachers, the self discipline of pupils and to enhance school environments so that they are conducive to teaching and learning;

INCLUSION AND EQUALITY: to promote equality and help every pupil benefit from education; with particular regard paid to pupils with disabilities and special educational needs, and to Gaelic and other lesser used languages;

VALUES AND CITIZENSHIP: to work with parents to teach pupils respect for themselves and for one another and their interdependence with other members of their neighbourhood and society and to teach them the duties and responsibilities of citizenship in a democratic society; and

LEARNING FOR LIFE: to equip pupils with the foundation skills; attitudes and expectations necessary to prosper in a changing society and to encourage creativity and ambition.

 

You can find most evaluations relating to achievement and attainment, values and citizenship, and learning for life in the section of this report titled How good is learning, teaching and achievement?

Evaluations relating to the framework for learning and inclusion and equality are mainly in the sections of this report titled How good is the environment for learning? and How well are pupils supported?

You can find more information on the work of HMIE and its role in Scottish education on our website: www.hmie.gov.uk The website will give you easy access to inspection and review reports and a wide range of other publications. You can also ask for more information from the office nearest your home at the address given at the end of this report.

 

DO YOU CARE ABOUT EDUCATION? YOU COULD APPLY TO BE A LAY MEMBER

Our inspection teams include a member of the public called a lay member. Lay members ensure that inspection teams take into account the interests of learners, parents or carers and the wider community.

We are looking for people with sound judgement and good interpersonal and communication skills. You do not need any particular academic or vocational qualification but must not have a teaching; lecturing, community education or education service background. If you are successful in your application we will give you full training.

Lay members give approximately three days of their time over a one to four week period. Currently, lay members assist in three to six inspections per year. We do not pay lay members but do provide travel and subsistence costs.

People like you have an important part to play in improving the quality of education in Scotland's schools,  colleges and community learning. For further information on how you can contribute please contact us at HM Inspectorate of Education on 01382 224155.

You can also email us at enquiries@hmie.gov.uk for an information leaflet and application form or write to Lay Members Recruitment, HM Inspectorate of Education, Wellgate House, Level 5, The Wellgate,  Dundee DD1 2DB.

Candidates with a disability who meet the minimum criteria for the post will be invited to interview.