Academy is test subject
Cumnock Academy has come under the microscope after education inspectors used it as a guinea pig.
Her Majesty’s Inspectors for Education ( HMIE) visited during the second week of June 2017, and a review was submitted to East Ayrshire Council.
The school - due to move to a new campus with space for 2,5000 pupils in 2019 - was assessed on three categories: learning and engagement, quality of teaching and targeted support.
Staff were praised for the quality of teaching, with inspectors finding “examples of high quality learning and teaching” in areas of the school.
They were advised to “use IT facilities more consistently” as well as devising a “whole school vision and strategy” to encourage consistency across the school.
Inspectors also recommended that young people be given opportunities to “write extensively across the curriculum in a planned and progressive way.”
The school also received praise for the “positive ethos” throughout the school and encouragement for young people to engage in their learning.
Assistance from the Supported Learning Centre ( SLC) was also praised by inspectors, with staff commended for communication with parents.
Findings from the inspection were not published as with other reports because it was carried out as a training exercise, but East Ayrshire Council’s governance and scrutiny committee agreed to note the findings and recommendations.