Gairloch High School is an effective secondary school where staff and pupils work well together to the benefit of all of the pupils and also the community it serves. Many visitors over the years, both official and unofficial, have remarked in an objective way about the positive ethos that exists within the school.
HRH The Princess Royal made a commemorative visit to Gairloch High School in October 1999 and her Lady in Waiting paid compliment later when she wrote;
Her Royal Highness was extremely impressed by the school; particularly by your excellent facilities and the wide range of subjects and skills on offer…
The princess was delighted to have the opportunity to meet so many of your staff and pupils and particularly commented on the immaculate behaviour of the children.”
Royal visit
As all parents and carers, along with many other members of the local community will be aware, Gairloch High School has received a very positive report from HMIe Inspectors after a recent visit (September 2007). The school was commended for:
- High overall performance in national qualifications for many pupils.
- The very good relationships and positive ethos across the school.
- The strong commitment of pupils, parents and staff to the school.
- The high quality of support for pupils with a range of specific needs.
- Effective and innovative use of ICT to promote achievement.
In the report, the Inspectors judged that the school successfully raised achievement for all pupils. Staff ensured that pupils could gain the qualifications they needed to progress beyond school. Increasingly, the school was providing stimulating opportunities for pupils to develop personal skills and attributes, such as confidence and enterprise.
Particular features of the school’s provision included:
- A residential week at Nethybridge for pupils in S1, which provided an important opportunity to promote a range of important skills, such as personal confidence and working in teams.
Nethybridge 2008
- A curriculum in S3/S4 that was sufficiently flexible in a small school to enable pupils to study more than one modern language, and up to three sciences.
- Effective timetabling that had enabled a very successful programme of outdoor education and fitness to be provided for senior pupils.
- Curricular and vocational guidance that was very effective. Staff provided knowledgeable advice to assist pupils with applications for work and further education.
- A well-developed work experience programme that effectively developed pupils’ skills for work by giving them opportunities to apply for and record their work experience.
Leah holding Jemima - the owl
“It is very encouraging that the HMIe appreciated the benefits to learning and teaching provided by the positive relationships across the school community. I am pleased that the report also reflects the very strong professional commitment of all staff and the high levels of academic success achieved by many pupils. At a time when the fundamental design and approach of schools to education and training are being examined, it is reassuring to see that HMIe appreciated the steps that we have taken to introduce increased opportunities for all of our pupils. Most importantly, the recognition that we have maintained, and in several areas, improved pupil attainment throughout ongoing changes.
I am heartened that the HMIe recognised the very good teaching in the school and the quality, maturity and enthusiasm of the pupils. I would also like to state my appreciation of the support of parents and other members of the local community. This is a crucial factor contributing to the overall success of the school.” John Port, Head Teacher
The Inspectors strongly endorsed the very good partnerships with parents and the community. Particular features included a welcoming and responsive climate in the school and the quality of information available to parents about aspects of school life, pupils’ achievements and reports on their progress.
Healthy and balanced eating habits support the active lifestyles that are promoted across the school. The work of the catering staff to assist in promoting healthy lifestyles was recognised by HMIe. The report indicated that the “pupils spoke very positively”… “and were enthusiastic about their lunchtime experience”. Pupils felt that the school encouraged them to adopt healthy lifestyles and HMIe found a robust procedure was in place to identify and support pupils with special dietary requirements.
Action points for the school include improving pupil security and reviewing the integrated use of the Community Library. Shortly after we appointed a school librarian. The school was also asked to improve the timetable of S1/S2 pupils and ensure that more rigorous procedures are in place to measure the impact on outcomes for learners. S1 and S2 pupils are now following significantly different experiences as a result of our approach to the Curriculum for Excellence. We continue to review and implement change for the benefit of our pupils with success and achievement being our main drivers.
The full report is available online and a paper copy is available (Gaelic or English) in the Library or from the school office.
