Strachur Guild
Arrochar Primary at the top of the class
Arrochar Primary School has received a glowing report card from inspectors, with “very good” ratings given all round.
The village school was visited by Education Scotland officers in January, and the published findings have rated learning, teaching and assessment; and raising attainment and achievement, as very good at primary and nursery level.
A report also recognised pupils’ awareness of the school’s setting in Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, as a result of the staff’s knowledge of the young people as individuals.
Inspectors also recognised pupils’ progress in language, early numeracy, and health and well-being.
The report said: “Almost all children are calm, settled and show sustained engagement in their play. Staff are responsive to children’s needs, feelings and interests. Routines are flexible, and children choose to play indoors or outside.
“The setting’s unique outdoor environment offers a wide selection of risky play activities, loose parts, gardening, and opportunities to develop a range of physical skills.
“A next step for staff is to extend the use of digital technologies, such as tablets and cameras, to allow children to document their own progress in learning.”
The inspectors added: “Children contribute very well to the life of Arrochar Primary School and ELC class, and their wider community. They develop a broad range of skills through creative and meaningful opportunities, including high-quality outdoor learning.
“Practitioners work very effectively with community partners and organisations when planning and providing learning experiences linked across curricular areas. Children are rightly very proud of their achievements.”
“We are confident that the school has the capacity to continue to improve and so we will make no more visits in connection with this inspection.
“Argyll and Bute Council will inform parents/ carers about the school’s progress as part of its
arrangements for reporting on the quality of its schools.”
Councillor Yvonne McNeilly, policy lead for education, said: “Well done to everyone at Arrochar Primary School and ELC on receiving such a positive inspection report.”
Strachur Guild met in February for a talk by fellow member Els Nicol on herbs in the Bible.
The guild was also pleased to welcome members from Cowal Kirk and Cumlodden church to the meeting.
Els explained there were over 100 plants mentioned in the Bible and brought with her examples of plants, seeds and essences and explained where they were mentioned in the Bible and
what they can be used for. She demonstrate how aloes can be used to cure sunburn. Members examined samples of frankincense and myrrh resins and tincture of hyssop. Everyone appreciated the research carried out and thanked her for a very informative and interesting talk.
March meeting: Guild members welcomed visitors from Strathlachlan and Inveraray to their meeting in March.
Following the AGM, funds were distributed between Tear Fund, Overseas Mission for Anne Davidson’s missionary work in Zambia, and BEAT (Beating eating disorders).
Then guest Renita Boyle from Wigton explained Bible journalling. She brought examples of her own work and then persuaded everyone to have a go with chalks, pens and stencils to produce our own pieces of work. She was a very lively and charismatic lady, whose work and witness was much appreciated by all.