Glowing report for Kilwinning Academy from inspectors

Jan 1 2010 by Eric McGowan, Irvine Herald

TEACHERS at Kilwinning Academy have been praised for making “significant improvements” to education standards at the school.

A follow-up inspection report published last week gives special mention to staff for “considerable commitment” to improving pupils’ learning experiences.

HMI inspectors said the progress was evident in improvements in pupils’ achievements. They also highlighted teachers’ attention to the care and welfare of all pupils.

The glowing report card comes almost a year since an original inspection of the school raised four points of action. These included promoting more active learning, raising attainment and staff expectations and improving self-evaluation.

The latest report says that under the guidance of headteacher Campbell Armstong, the school had improved on all these points.

Inspectors said pupils spoke positively about changes at the school. Attainment levels had improved across the board thanks to additional support initiatives like mentoring programmes and homework clubs.

Staff had extended vocational courses by strengthening links with Kilmarnock College and James Watt College.

Teachers were more effective in reviewing the quality of their work with senior managers and principal teachers regularly visiting classes to observe lessons.

A number of initiatives were now in place to raise the expectations of pupils’ behaviour.

Inspectors concluded the school was performing well and is well placed to improve.

They decided no further visits were required in relation to the original inspection.