Annan's St Columba's RC Primary School earns education inspectors' praises

Jun 24 2011 by Sharon Liptrott, Dumfries Standard Friday

SCHOOL inspectors have praised the only Roman Catholic school for Annandale and Eskdale.

They say St Columba’s RC Primary School in Annan, which will celebrate 50 years at Shawhill Road next year, provides “a supportive learning environment where children feel happy and nurtured.”

And found the pupils themselves are “proud of their school” and feel “encouraged to do their best.”

Almost all parents think the school helps their children to become more confident and think their children’s learning is progressing well.

Following their inspection in April, HM Inspectorate of education identified that one of the key strengths of St Columba’s was the positive start made by new headteacher Mr Barry McIntyre in taking the school forward.

The report states: “Since taking up post, the headteacher has worked with staff, parents and children to develop a clear direction for the school. Under his effective leadership the focus on school values has encouraged a renewed sense of purpose.”

Other key strength are “happy children who enjoy learning in a supportive school setting” and a “shared commitment of staff to provide a nurturing learning environment for children.”

The inspectors’ evaluation for learners’ experience, meeting learners needs and improvements in performance was “good.”

Liz Baxter, the council’s quality improvement manager said: “The commitment and dedication of the head teacher and staff, the engagement and motivation of learners and the positive involvement of parents bring a strong sense of a learning community.

“There is a clear direction for the school and it is well placed to continue to take forward a Curriculum for Excellence.”

The inspectors say the school and education authority should continue to take forward Curriculum for Excellence at St Columba’s and further improve approaches to self-evaluation.

The denominational school had a roll of 64 during the inspection with attendance at national average.

The report says that the pupils feel valued and respond positively to encouragement and support from their teachers who have “high expectations” of children and have “created a supportive and caring ethos.

Learning Mathematics through Realistic Mathematics Education ...

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