School sets an example for all
Calderwood are high achievers in literacy and numeracy
Calderwood Primary were last week visited by the Scottish Government’s Education Minister Angela Constance.
The MSP was at the school to mark the release of the 2014 Scottish Survey of Literacy and Numeracy.
The numbers showed a decline of five per cent in reading standards among eight and nine-year olds since 2012.
But Calderwood was held up as an example of a school where kids are on the right path.
Head teacher Lisa Quinn said: “We were chosen because of the good performance in both numeracy and literacy at the school.
“Angela Constance came in and was at the school for around an hour and a half, so she was here for quite a while.
“She sat in with one of our primary two classes, and looked over the work they were doing.
“It was a very positive visit for the school, we were really delighted to be recognised in this way.
“It’s great to have the hard work of the pupils recognised, and the work of all the staff here as well.
“I think it reflects well on the whole community around the school as well.
“The support we get from the local community has been tremendous.”
The Education Secretary announced ways the government will seek to improve education standards in Scotland while she was visiting the school.
She said: “Literacy and numeracy are vital skills for our young people. That’s why the survey was commissioned – to get a clear picture at various stages of school.
“And it is why we all must act on its findings.
“Put simply, while Scottish pupils perform well, these results are not as good as they should be.
“They demonstrate the need to redouble efforts to ensure that every child can succeed in school and so gain the skills they need for life.”