Gleniffer High School passes test after Education Scotland inspection
The school was visited in March and the findings have since been made public.
A Paisley high school's 'caring supportive relationships' have been praised by the education watchdog after a recent inspection.
A team of inspectors from Education Scotland visited Gleniffer High School in March when they spoke with parents, carers and young people and worked closely with the head teacher and staff.
On a six-point scale where one is unsatisfactory and six is excellent, the Amochrie Road facility was rated as four – or 'good' – for its learning, teaching and assessment, and also rated as 'four' for its raising attainment and achievement.
During the visit, the inspectors commented on areas of strength which were outlined in their report. It noted the 'caring supportive relationships' between young people and staff.
The watchdog's report read: 'Across the school, positive relationships between staff and young people support a nurturing culture and strong ethos.
'In most lessons, young people are respectful, willing to learn and participate well in class discussions and activities. Most staff use praise effectively to build confidence and support the engagement of young people.'
Staff at the high school were praised for their ability to adapt and use new technology.
The report highlighted: 'Staff are improving their use of digital technology to engage and support young people with their learning through increased use of one-to-one devices and assistive technology.
'A majority of teachers in the senior phase use digital platforms effectively to share resources, support revision and completion of work.'
Gleniffer High School's values include acceptance, ambition, nurture, respect and trust.
A key strength of the school was noted in the inspectors report which stated: 'The strong focus by staff on providing a wide range of courses that meet the needs of learners who may require additional support.
'As a result, increasing numbers of young people are attaining qualifications at Scottish Credit Qualification Framework levels three and four.'
Following the inspection, areas for improvement were identified and discussed with the head teacher and a representative from Renfrewshire Council.
An area for improvement suggested management should 'continue to develop the 'Gleniffer toolkit' to support teachers in embedding greater consistency in approaches to learning and teaching through professional learning and collaboration.
'This will help to improve further the quality of young people's learning experiences.'
A second area for improvement was noted as staff should 'continue to improve approaches to the planning of learning.
'Teachers should make full use of all available information about young people to ensure that all learners make the best possible progress.'
And a final area of improvement was the school should: 'Continue to improve attainment at National 5 and Higher.
'This should include a focus on more young people achieving high quality passes.'
Education Scotland stated it was 'confident that the school has the capacity to continue to improve' and will, therefore, make no more visits in connection with this inspection.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
BBC News
2 days ago
- BBC News
Parents accuse council of failing Highland primary school
Parents have accused Highland Council of failing their primary school after inspectors raised significant concerns about how it was Scotland said there were "major weaknesses" in the leadership of Newtonmore also found recruitment issues meant a council official was in the role of acting headteacher and there were no other senior school's parent council said it was "deeply saddened" by the report, and said it had been raising concerns with Highland Council for the past two years. Since the inspection in March the local authority said the school had received additional support from senior education officers. Newtonmore Primary School, which has 107 pupils, provides English and Gaelic medium education (GME).Education Scotland said the school had experienced several changes at senior level after the headteacher and principal teacher left the school in June last described learning, teaching and assessment as "weak".They said lessons did not take into account the needs of individual children, and the pace of learning was too school's work around wellbeing, equality and inclusion, and its ability to raise attainment, were described as "unsatisfactory".Inspectors said it had experienced challenges staffing GME classes, and this had a negative impact on older children's fluency in speaking the Primary School Parent Council said the inspection showed Highland Council's polices and resources to deliver quality education in the community had been ineffective.A spokesperson said: "The inspection results are shocking, and we are angered by the extent to which the children of Newtonmore have been failed. "The areas identified for improvement validate concerns that parents have repeatedly raised, both individually and collectively, with the Highland Council and local representatives over the past two years. "The educational attainment of our children is being jeopardised, and on the current trajectory, many risk failing to reach their full potential." 'Quality environments' Highland Council has been asked for a response to the parents' on the inspection report, the local authority said: "Highland Council is committed to providing quality learning environments, experiences and interactions for our pupils."The authority and the school are aware of the needs of all their children and take their health, safety and welfare extremely seriously. "Improvements at the school in line with the Education Scotland timeframes will continue to be implemented, with improvements already underway."The local authority said challenges around recruiting Gaelic staff were being addressed.
Daily Record
2 days ago
- Daily Record
Gleniffer High School passes test after Education Scotland inspection
The school was visited in March and the findings have since been made public. A Paisley high school's 'caring supportive relationships' have been praised by the education watchdog after a recent inspection. A team of inspectors from Education Scotland visited Gleniffer High School in March when they spoke with parents, carers and young people and worked closely with the head teacher and staff. On a six-point scale where one is unsatisfactory and six is excellent, the Amochrie Road facility was rated as four – or 'good' – for its learning, teaching and assessment, and also rated as 'four' for its raising attainment and achievement. During the visit, the inspectors commented on areas of strength which were outlined in their report. It noted the 'caring supportive relationships' between young people and staff. The watchdog's report read: 'Across the school, positive relationships between staff and young people support a nurturing culture and strong ethos. 'In most lessons, young people are respectful, willing to learn and participate well in class discussions and activities. Most staff use praise effectively to build confidence and support the engagement of young people.' Staff at the high school were praised for their ability to adapt and use new technology. The report highlighted: 'Staff are improving their use of digital technology to engage and support young people with their learning through increased use of one-to-one devices and assistive technology. 'A majority of teachers in the senior phase use digital platforms effectively to share resources, support revision and completion of work.' Gleniffer High School's values include acceptance, ambition, nurture, respect and trust. A key strength of the school was noted in the inspectors report which stated: 'The strong focus by staff on providing a wide range of courses that meet the needs of learners who may require additional support. 'As a result, increasing numbers of young people are attaining qualifications at Scottish Credit Qualification Framework levels three and four.' Following the inspection, areas for improvement were identified and discussed with the head teacher and a representative from Renfrewshire Council. An area for improvement suggested management should 'continue to develop the 'Gleniffer toolkit' to support teachers in embedding greater consistency in approaches to learning and teaching through professional learning and collaboration. 'This will help to improve further the quality of young people's learning experiences.' A second area for improvement was noted as staff should 'continue to improve approaches to the planning of learning. 'Teachers should make full use of all available information about young people to ensure that all learners make the best possible progress.' And a final area of improvement was the school should: 'Continue to improve attainment at National 5 and Higher. 'This should include a focus on more young people achieving high quality passes.' Education Scotland stated it was 'confident that the school has the capacity to continue to improve' and will, therefore, make no more visits in connection with this inspection.
Daily Record
3 days ago
- Daily Record
Grange Academy earns positive inspection report as head teacher praised
"The report highlights that the Head Teacher is held in high regard by all members of the school community" Grange Academy received a very positive HMIE report following Education Scotland inspection in March. The Education Scotland inspection team worked closely with the head teacher and staff, throughout the five day inspection and engaged closely with parents and carers, and young people from all age groups. The inspection report highlighted strengths in the school's work including the leadership of head teacher and head of campus, Scott Robertson, who has been identified as being instrumental as maintaining a focus on improving young people's wellbeing and attainment. The inspectors also highlighted the "positive, mutually respectful relationships between staff and young people" that are "built on shared values", which creates "calm, welcoming learning environments across the school and Hearing Impairment Unit". Improvements that have been made to approaching and promoting the wellbeing of young people by school staff was also highlighted in the report. These changes have led to improvements in their mental, emotional, social and physical wellbeing. The following areas for improvement were also identified and discussed with the Head Teacher and a representative from East Ayrshire Council. Teachers are advised to make greater use of ongoing assessment in the broad general education. They should continue to work together to agree a shared understanding of standards and expectations. This will support planning for learning which enables young people to make progress at a rate that best meets their needs. Inspectors also suggested that senior leaders should continue to develop approaches to equality across the school. This should build on existing work to improve attendance of young people. Senior leaders and staff should develop further whole school supportive and restorative approaches. Lastly, staff should continue to focus on raising attainment in National Qualifications, particularly at National 5 and Higher levels. Local elected members, Councillors Douglas Reid, Jayne Sangster and James Adams with Linda McAulay-Griffiths, Chief Education Officer and Head of Education, and Graham McGinn, Depute Head of Education, visited Grange Academy to meet Scott Robertson, his senior management team and young people – Aiden, Amelia, Kayden, Annie, Luke, Alix and Harry. They spoke to the young people about their role in the inspection, which included meeting with the inspectors and leading tours of the campus. And about all things education, including the upcoming senior prom on Thursday, June 12. Councillor Elaine Cowan, Spokesperson for Education, and Children and Young People, said: "The report highlights that the Head Teacher is held in high regard by all members of the school community who value his – 'careful, sensitive management of the pace and direction of change'. This is very clear whenever you visit the school. The young people are positive in their attitude and it is clear that this is fostered by their Head Teacher and all the staff within the school. "The inspectors highlighted the wide range of achievement and attainment activities across the curriculum and within the wider community, which is developing young people's skills for learning, life and work. And for me, this is key. Education is about preparing our young people for the future - for further learning, for work and for life. "It is incredibly encouraging to read an HMIE report where this has been highlighted. I was so sorry to be unable to offer Scott my congratulations in person but I have been in touch with the school to let them know how proud we all are." Scott Robertson, Grange Academy Head Teacher and Head of Campus said: "A team of 12 inspectors from Education Scotland joined us for a week in March and participated in all aspects of school life. Our young people had a vital role to play in the inspection process, meeting and talking with the inspectors, and I am very proud of their positive input. "Our school's report is the result of teamwork and collaboration. The young people are at the centre of every decision the school takes and, their wellbeing and attainment are our highest priority. I am so pleased for my whole team that the inspectors recognised the work that has been carried out to improve the wellbeing and attainment of our young people. "I would also like to take this opportunity to thank every member of the Grange Academy staff for their hard work and dedication to our young people; since joining Grange Academy three years ago, I have been overwhelmed by their professionalism and commitment to our children and young people; they are a credit to our school community. As the report highlights, our role to help prepare our young people for the future. We want them to achieve their very best and are committed to ensuring that this is possible through opportunities both within school and within the community."
