Scottish Catholic Observer

THE community of St Angela’s Primary School in Glasgow has been celebrating after HMIe inspectors gave the school a glowing report following a recent visit.

St Angela’s and the school’s nursery class were both praised by inspectors, who recognised that ‘Catholic values are at the heart of the school and there is a close relationship with the local parishes.’

Brendan Duffy, St Angela’s headteacher, expressed his delight at the school’s report, which was published last week.

“We are very proud of this report,” he said. “It is a fair reflection of the current position of the school in terms of implementation of curriculum for excellence. We are particularly proud of the fact that the inspection team recognised that everything we do in the school is built upon Gospel values. The inspection team recognised this, going as far as saying that ‘a strong, Catholic ethos permeates all aspects of school life.’

“Everyone in the St Angela’s community should be delighted with this report. We know we have a great school but it is fantastic that Education Scotland have recognised this also.”

HMIe inspectors noted the ‘very positive relationship between staff and children’ at St Angela’s, which ‘promotes an ethos of mutual respect.’

The leadership of Mr Duffy and the commitment of his team of staff at St Angela’s also came in for praise from the inspectors.

“Staff take very good account of children’s views on aspects of learning and achievement,” the report from inspectors said. “Children are justifiably proud of their achievements, for example, in eco, enterprise and Fairtrade education and raising funds for charities.

“Catholic values are at the heart of the school and there is a close relationship with the local parishes. Children make effective contributions to the school and the wider community through their work in an extensive range of committees. These activities and events, such as the Finance Week, are helping children make informed choices and decisions and develop skills for life, work and learning.”

Stephen Curran, Glasgow City Council Executive Member for Education and Young People, was delighted to hear about the St Angela’s report and had words of praise for the school community. “This is a lovely report card for the school and local community and well done to everyone who has made this possible,” he said. “I am delighted that inspectors have highlighted the excellent work of the headteacher and his staff and found the children to be enthusiastic, motivated and respectful and who are justifiably proud of their school.”

— [email protected]