Scottish Catholic Observer

The community of Lochyside Primary School in Fort William has been celebrating a ‘very positive’ report from HMIe inspectors, which paid tribute to the promotion of Catholic values at the school.

During their recent visit, inspectors highlighted the strong leadership of Violet Smith, Lochyside headteacher, and noted the ‘valuable contributions from churches, the community and parents,’ which ‘greatly enhance children’s learning and promote Catholic values’ at Lochyside, which has a roll of 86 pupils.

The report also noted that the Fort William school is making ‘very effective’ use of the Curriculum for Excellence to improve its curriculum and the quality of outcomes for all children. It goes on to highlight that children are learning and achieving very well, both in and beyond the classroom, ‘developing important skills and attributes from participating in a wide variety of clubs and activities out of class.’

Delight

Ms Smith, whose leadership was described as ‘outstanding’ by the inspectors, said she was ‘delighted’ with the recent report.

“It highlights the hard work, commitment and dedication of pupils, staff, parents and the wider school community,” she said. “It acknowledges the impact that our implementation of the Curriculum for Excellence is having on our pupils’ learning. The report also reflects the very positive ethos and the excellent teamwork which is the cornerstone of Lochyside RC Primary School.”

Praise

The Lochyside report said pupils from the school ‘gain personal and citizenship skills through a variety of roles’ including study and reading buddies, charity work and as members of an extensive range of committees. Particular attention was paid to Lochyside’s international art room and its work in ‘enhancing children’s creative and business skills.’

Geoff Soe-Paing, chair of Lochyside’s parent council, said he believes the outcomes of the report to be ‘a fair and true evaluation of the strengths of the school, and reflects the hard work and commitment that has been shown by the headteacher and her staff.’

“Furthermore I am more than confident that the school will continue its high level of achievement in future in partnership with parents, pupils and the education authority,” he said.

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Pic: Anthony MacMillan