Slated school aims to turn reputation around
Published 10 Feb 2012 10:00
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Drumchapel High School (DHS) yet again seems to be left wearing the dunce's hat, following the publication of an unflattering inspection report by Education Scotland.
However, with new head teacher Donna McMasters at the helm, the Cally Avenue school hopes to start revising and make the grade.
Mrs McMasters has been seconded from Castlemilk High to take on the role of acting head teacher, after the departure of May Winton.
Mrs McMasters told the Post: "I am absolutely delighted to be here, and I'm looking forward to working with all the staff and pupils."
The Education Scotland report, which was published on January 31, suggests that students at the school are receiving a 'satisfactory' learning experience, and improvements in performance were also deemed 'satisfactory'.
However, the curriculum and improvement through self evaluation were ranked as 'weak'.
It seems all too easy to focus on the weak aspects of a school in what is often described as a deprived area, but DHS was praised for the strength of some of its departments.
The report states in recent years the DHS has seen learning and attainment improvements in both the maths and English, and the support offered by the pastoral care team was highlighted.
There has also been an improvement in the support being offered to parents.
DHS has many success stories, including Laura Spence, now 21. Laura left DHS in 2008, and went on to complete an HND in Acting and Performance at Stow College.
She is currently in her final year of a Contemporary Theatre and Performance degree at the University of Central Lancashire in Preston.
A spokeswoman for Glasgow City Council said: "We are confident that the staff at the school have the ability to carry out the improvements required in the action plan agreed with the authority."
This article appeared in Clydebank Post 08 Feb 12
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