Grange Academy earns positive inspection report as head teacher praised
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."
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