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 Praise for community learning in Uist

 

Supporting individual pupils, expanding pupil learning and developing vocational experiences are all key strengths of Sgoil Lionacleit highlighted in a recent inspection.

 

It follows on from praise in a seperate inspection of the learning community in Uist.

 

This time, the education and teaching of pupils came under the microscope.

 

In a letter to parents and guardians, HM Inspector Gary Johnstone said: “We are satisfied with the overall quality of provision.”

 

The HMIE reported that Sgoil Lionacleit pupils ‘almost all demonstrate a high standard of behaviour’; they are courteous; feel safe and cared for in the school; enjoy learning, and feel they are treated with fairness and respect.

 

“There is a strong focus on promoting you people’s interest in skills connected to the islands, for example boat building and crofting.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Young people’s learning is enriched and enhanced through a very wide range of experience to achieve beyond the classroom.

 

“These include sporting, musical and cultural clubs and activities like participation in local, regional and national competitions with the athletics team, Pipe Band and the recent trip to the First World War battlefields in Belgium and France.”

 

Moving from learning opportunities to the support given to pupils and the relationship between teachers and young people was said to be ‘very positive’ with the school working well with partners to provide strong support for both individual pupils and their families.

 

The HM Inspector commented that Sgoil Lionacleit has ‘clear systems for prioritising specialist support and resources.’

 

He said: “Support for people with more complex needs is a strength of the school’s work.”

 

An example of such complex support was highlighted by pupil’s work experience opportunities: “Young people with complex needs have a very good range of well-supported, sustained work experience opportunities.

 

“They are learning vocational skills in local businesses including preparing and serving food in a cafe, car valeting at a local garage, general hotel work and enterprising skills through setting up and running a nail bar.”

 

And particular praise was gained through the school’s attitude to Gaelic as Mr Johnstone commented: “Commendably, all young people continue to learn Gaelic, building on their experiences at the primary stages.”

 

The report does urge Sgoil Lionacleit to ‘develop further its approaches to embedding Gaelic’ and that staff should ensure more pupils continue Gaelic at senior stages and are aware of the benefits from doing so.

 

Other improvements suggested include opportunities for pupils to take more responsibility for their learning and approaches to pupils’ self-evaluation to ensure consistent improvements to their learning and attainment.

 

 Praise for community learning in Uist

 

Inspectors impressed with secondary school

24 November 2014