HMIe report 2007
Bo’ness Academy has emerged well from a 10-day inspection carried
out by HM Inspector of Schools.
Attainment levels in S3/S4 was the only one of 15 quality indicators
where the school’s performance was questionable.
But head teacher David Mitchell said that figure was ”skewed” by
a small group of pupils who did not sit Scottish Qualifications Authority
recognised exams.
He pointed out that, in percentage terms, Bo’ness Academy sent
more pupils on to further or higher education than any other secondary
school in Falkirk district.
In common with other local authorities Falkirk Council is seeking to
have the non-academic qualifications attained by these pupils recognised
in the annual audit of school performance.
”For a small, but significant, number of pupils, for a variety of reasons,
academic attainment through SQA-recognised exams may not be achievable,” he
said.
”The alternative is a variety of ’life skills’ coaching which
is more relevant to their situation.
”We are looking to have these results included in the statistics but
that will not happen for a couple of years.”
He went on: ”I think, generally, the inspection report paints a
positive picture of Bo’ness Academy.
”We attempt to meet the needs of all of our pupils and I think the inspectors
recognised that.
”I believe they also recognised that we were going in the right direction
and that gives us the confidence to push ahead.”
A team of nine inspectors visited Bo’ness Academy in January this
year.
They focused on four departments, English, Mathematics, geography and
science.
Mr Mitchell has already written up an action plan to meet the inspectors’ recommendations.
This has been passed to education officials at Falkirk Council and will,
eventually, be rubber-stamped and sent on to the inspectors.
Bo’ness Academy school board has already discussed the inspection
report.
Mr Mitchell said its reaction had been ”pretty positive”.
The inspectors also had words of praise for Mr Mitchell’s personal
commitment.
Their report said: ”The headteacher provided very good leadership
... had successfully addressed significant behaviour issues and started
to address concerns of low expectation and attainment.”
The report added that he had also ”skillfully promoted strong teamwork,
had a clear appreciation of the issues facing the school and appropriate
ideas for securing further improvements.”
The inspectors also recognised that the Academy had forged strong links
with the wider Bo’ness community.
Bo’ness Academy was last inspected in 1998.
”You can’t draw parallels or make assumptions by looking at the
1998 inspection report and the 2007 document,” said Mr Mitchell.
”It’s a different building, a different environment and different
staff.”
Copy courtesy Allan Scott/Bo'ness Journal
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