Wallace High School receives positive report

Dec 23 2009 by Kaiya Marjoribanks, Stirling Observer Wednesday

POSITIVE ethos and shared pride in the school and its achievements have been highlighted in an inspection report of Wallace High.

HM Inspectors visited the school in October.

Strengths included: staff commitment to improving young people's learning experiences; wide range of opportunities for young people to achieve; positive relationships between staff and young people; opportunities for leadership for all staff and young people, particularly in S6.

The report stated children benefited from positive learning experiences that help develop confidence, with teachers setting clear targets that improve learning. Pupils in S5 and S6 gained leadership skills and confidence both in and out of the classroom, while others benefited from extra responsibilities such as being captains or buddies.

They also developed new skills and interests through the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme. Inspectors commented on the success across a range of sports, including three years of winning Stirling sports school of the year.

The report said a positive ethos in the school promoted attitudes to learning and achievement among staff and pupils.

Headteacher Linda Horsburgh had succeeded in cultivating a sense of direction and climate that encouraged all staff to be involved in improving the school and was well respected by staff, parents and pupils.

The inspectors also noted parents' involvement at the school.

However, the report said the school needs to do more to track pupild’ progress.

Exam results by S4 are either below or well below the national average but by the end of S6 results are either in line with or above the national average.

Improvement of attendance also remains an important priority.

Areas for improvement included: increase the impact of self-evaluation on quality of learning and teaching by more consistent approaches and improved monitoring of progress; improve attainment, particularly by end of S4; improve the curriculum in line with national developments; review arrangements for religious observance.

Headteacher Linda Horsburgh said: "We were pleased the report highlighted the positive climate for learning and the opportunities for wide ranging achievements in Wallace High.

“We greatly appreciate the very positive response in the questionnaires from parents, pupils and staff.”