THE Acting Rector of Fraserburgh Academy has praised staff, pupils and parents, following the 'best ever' report card from Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Education (HMIE).
Mr John Noble, Acting Rector, welcomed the report, a Secondary school inspection Follow-through, describing it as the school's 'best ever':
"There has been a noticeable and considerable increase in how people within Fraserburgh Academy are worki
ng together and seeing improvements that they are responsible for and benefiting from.
"There is greater team work among staff and among pupils; this has led to this report which is the best the school has ever received from the Inspectors.
"Support from parents is also a very important factor and which we greatly welcome.
"The Inspectors told us that we had improved in all the key areas including: pupils' learning; pupil behaviour; staff sharing good practice to improve learning and teaching; higher levels of staff and better quality teaching.
"We have a strong platform to work together further to make Fraserburgh Academy even better than the very good school it has already become," he said.
The Acting Rector highlighted a series of new initiatives involving both pupils and staff. Developments such as the Senior Students support of the school dress code; Principal Teachers becoming associate members of the Senior Management Team and unpromoted staff having spells on the Principal Teachers Team.
Another innovation was the formation of the Principal Teachers Forum. Mr Noble stressed it was all about development and leadership.
The report outlines improvements in leadership and the quality of education, developments in the school's ethos, and sets out how the academy has got better at helping pupils to learn and benefit from being at the school.
There was particular praise for acting headteacher John Noble, and the support received from depute headteachers and the education authority.
Education, Learning and Leisure Committee chairman Cllr Richard Stroud said:
"While we don't tend to single out schools for their performance I think it's important to recognise the excellent progress that has been made at Fraserburgh Academy since its original inspection.
"It is clear that the school has taken the feedback given in the original report very seriously and that the positive attitude of the school, its staff, its pupils and the wider community has paid off.
"I am sure the school will be delighted with this very positive report and that it will generate even more enthusiasm to build on this success for the future."
The report highlights improving morale among staff and young people and their commitment to improve the school.
Partnerships with parents and the wider community and the development of young people's understanding of different cultures were also outlined.
Particular examples of good practice in terms of developing leadership skills in young people, and celebrating diversity, were noted in the report.
The inspectors recognised the opportunities for young people to achieve through a range of challenging activities, commenting that they 'show consideration for others, for example, in raising money for charity.'
In terms of attainment, the majority of S1/S2 pupils at the school now achieve 'appropriate' national levels in reading and maths, and improvements in writing has also been noted.
In S4, attainment is now in line with national averages, although there remains scope for improvement at S5/S6 level.
Community links are also strong, with local businesses providing support for young people's learning. Within the school, there is strong support among pupils and staff alike, and the sharing of good practice in terms of observing lessons is being encouraged further.
The report states: "The school and education authority have achieved important improvements since the original inspection.
"Senior managers, led by the acting Headteacher, provide strong support and direction."
The report noted that young people now have greater pride in their school, and staff have high expectations of their achievements. Exclusions have fallen considerably and assemblies are used to recognise achievements.
Activities such as 'Diversity Days' are helping encourage greater awareness of different cultures.
The report notes that, with continued effective leadership and staff commitment, the school is well-placed for further improvements.
The full report can be found on the HMIE website at www.hmie.gov.uk
