Wick High gets glowing report from HMIE inspectors
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A GLOWING report from Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Education heralds a new era for Wick High School.
That is according to parent council chairwoman Linda Malik who spoke yesterday following the publication of a follow-up report to the 2008 inspection.
The school was officially signed off from yearly visits yesterday for the first time since concerns were raised nearly four years ago.
Mrs Malik welcomed the "extremely positive" inspection report and explained that the school has improved to the stage where annual inspections are no longer necessary.
"This endorses what we as a parent council feel is a very positive new era for Wick High School," she said.
"The report demonstrates that the school has implemented the correct actions to address the recommendations identified by HMIE.
"We look forward to the school building on this achievement and continuing to go from strength to strength."
The HMIE report in 2008 flagged up a number of issues such as attainment and the school ethos.
Following the concerns the school has been subject to annual visits to check on the progress being made by staff and pupils.
Rector Thomas McIntyre said yesterday the follow-up report is proof that these yearly visits are no longer necessary and that the school is taking leaps and bounds in the right direction.
"I am pleased with the excellent report that was issued on the inspection by HMIE of the quality of education at Wick High School," he said. "The report from the follow-through visit is based on the initial inspection from 2008 and subsequent visits and describes the improvements that have been made since that original inspection. The past year has been difficult with some negative comments being published in the press, but this report confirms that Wick High School is a good school and will continue to improve."
Mr McIntyre, who took up his post in October 2010, praised his staff and pupils for their contribution and hard work in making the inspection a success, and the parent council for its support.
He added: "I hope that all parents will continue to support the school as we continue to raise standards of attainment, attendance, behaviour and dress code."
HMIE officials returned at the end of last year to do a follow-up report.
During the visit Mr McIntyre and other members of staff demonstrated how the school has continued to improve over the year.
Yesterday’s report reveals exactly how well young people are now learning and achieving, and how the school is continuing to support them to do their best.
HM inspector Alistair Brown says in the document that the quality of young people’s learning and achievements has improved considerably since the 2008 inspection.
There is a positive approach to learning in the school and young people experience a wider range of approaches to learning and teaching. This along with increased links with outside organisations and an openness between staff and pupils has helped the school make massive progress.
The only real negative comment is that the quality of young people’s learning is still too variable across the school.
However, the report stresses that Wick High is taking the right steps forward.
Other highlights include S5/S6 receiving awards for valuable voluntary work, students benefiting from an increased number of out-of-hours clubs and activities, and improved attainment including bringing S4 into line with national averages.
The inspector noted that staff are continuing to make improvements to important areas of the curriculum and links are being strengthened with local primary schools.
Stronger links between parents and the school have also brought further rewards, including increased levels of resources.
The report recommends that a successful programme of monitoring progress in S3/4 should be implemented with first and second years to help identify those who would benefit from more support.
"The head teacher has shared his clear vision for improvement successfully with parents, young people and staff," writes Mr Brown.
"The ethos of the school has improved significantly since the initial inspection. There are many positive signs of improvement in the school’s provision."
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? "The quality of young people’s learning and achievements has improved considerably since the 2008 inspection. The school had the best-ever results in 2011."? "When I started I shared a clear vision for improvement with parents, pupils and staff and HMIE has recognised this. The ethos of the school has improved significantly since the initial inspection."? "Working with my senior leadership team we have led many important improvements. Attainment is now better and there is a much stronger ethos of achievement."? "Appointing teachers to temporary promoted posts contributed very positively to leading important improvements, including developing approaches to encouraging and rewarding positive behaviour. The Highland Council has also recognised this initiative and has confirmed that the funding is in place to continue next year."
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‘We had a clear vision for improvement’
