Top marks for Balmalloch
A KILSYTH school received one of the strongest inspection reports in North Lanarkshire from Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Education last month.
Balmalloch Primary School was marked as 'very good' in all areas except self-evaluation, for which an 'excellent' grade was awarded.
Assessors made special note of the "respectful relationships" between staff and pupils and the methods by which the school evaluates its own progress and plans improvements.
Diane Brown, headteacher, was overjoyed with the report but was reluctant to personally take credit for the achievement.
She said: "I think the main thing is that we work totally as a team - everyone from the teachers to the support staff to the children and parents. We work so well together.
"I've got a dedicated staff that work so hard for every child and the school. We look at every child individually and work in a way that suits them."
Children at the school are expected to take responsibility for their own education, something Diane feels helps them grow as individuals.
"We're trying to give the children more chances to set their own targets for what they want to achieve," she explained.
"As headteacher I discuss targets personally with the children. I just think that it helps them see that there's a real importance to improve their work. We aim as high as possible and we tell the children we expect the highest standard and no less. If we aim high then every child will achieve great things."
Diane explained her belief that the culture of peer-assessment, which exists at all levels in the school, helps keep the school awash with fresh ideas.
She said: "The children evaluate each other and staff watch each other and share good practice. It's something that staff find quite hard to take on board usually but everyone here has been great at doing it and learning from each other."
She added: "I have tried to explain to the kids how big this is to get such a good report and I think they're very proud of their school."
Cumbernauld and Kilsyth MSP, Cathie Craigie, praised all at the school for their playing their part.
She said: "This is a great achievement for the headteacher and her staff, as well as the children and their parents. I congratulate them all."
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Weather for Cumbernauld
Sunday 05 February 2012
Today
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