Gold stars all round

WOODFARM high school has been given the thumbs up by Education Scotland.

In a recent HMIE inspection report, the Thornliebank school received three excellents and two very goods from inspectors.

As part of their examination, officials met with parents and pupils to investigate the quality of service provided by the school.

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But Woodfarm passed with flying colours, even receiving the top mark possible in improvements in performance; meeting learning needs and improvement through self-evaluation’.

Inspectors also complimented the school on a number of areas of innovation, which they now intend to share with other schools across the country.

 Education convener, councillor Alan Lafferty, was delighted with the findings.

He told The Extra:“The report captured the school very well, recognising some of the considerable strengths we have in Woodfarm.

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“It points out the positive relationships between and among staff and young people, which help learners to become confident and motivated to achieve success.

 “Leadership and teamwork across the school are rightly highlighted and I would like to thank headteacher, Mrs Stewart and her team, for their considerable hard work.

“They are a credit to the community served by Woodfarm high school.”

 Headteacher, Ann Stewart, added: “This report is very welcome and is a reflection of the hard work of our pupils and entire staff.

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“Woodfarm is at the heart of the community and our pupils are a credit to the school, their families and the wider community

“ I would like to thank parents, the parent council, our partners and the education department for the continued support we receive at Woodfarm High School”.

The report pointed out that: ‘young people in Woodfarm High School learn very well and achieve extremely well.

“ They listen attentively, are well mannered, keen to participate and offer their opinions and views very effectively in class discussions.

“Their behaviour is commendable”.

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IT developments were also highlighted as a strength, such as the increasing use of glow (Scotland’s national intranet for schools) where, for example, in physical education young people can access film footage of their performance and then analyse this at home.

The staff’s support for people with additional needs was also highlighted, along with the the work of Woodfarm’s “very strong parent council” while Mrs Stewart was praised as “commited to the highest standards”.