Balfron Matters
Monday 22 April 2024
Weekly communication for staff
Dear colleagues,
Thanks to everyone for your vigilance, support, activities and input last week ensuring that the S6 final week was highly positive. At the end of the graduation, many parents took time to share their appreciation for our input over the years.
Lunch and Learn takes place on Wednesday of this week in C8, delivered by Nicola. Please note an update to our pedagogy section below, along with a link to our fabulous new Learning & Teaching website.
A special congratulations to our S2 Football team who beat Larbert High School on penalties to make it to the cup final this week. We are sending a bus to support them in this important game.
As you know, attainment data is shared twice per year on Insight:
September: Local data of existing cohorts
February: National data - school leavers from previous year
I have meetings with the council following each of the data publications. We discuss the outcome, analysis and plans that are identified as a result.
Here is a link to the Insight presentation that will be discussed on Friday 26 April.
I am also very much aware that our Sunday Times school ranking based on 5+ highers has dropped significantly (from 19 to 46). I am not a fan of the league tables for many obvious reasons, but it would be unwise to dismiss their impact on our public profile. The measure is based on the percentage of pupils who leave with 5+ Highers.
We knew that the 2023 S6's attainment showed a significant decline - 30% @ 5 Higher in S5, rising to 52% by the end of S6, a drop of 10% from the 2022 cohort (left with 62% @ 5 H).
Analysis of the 2023 data highlighted the following key factors that we have begun to address:
early withdrawal from courses
decline in attendance
As we plan for an new improvement cycle, it is clear that we must focus on:
high quality learning & teaching
increased levels of attendance
curriculum appropriate for all to succeed
look inwards (dissect data) and outwards (what is improving elsewhere?)
On a positive note, we know that the 2024 S6 recorded a significant improvement in S5 @ 5 Highers and with that in mind, I anticipate an improvement in the S6 accumulate measure for next year. Onwards and upwards!
It's another busy week. Thanks in advance for your input.
Elaine
This week at Balfron High:
Team Meetings, SQA Exams
Mon: English interviews
H Physical Education, pm
Tues: Technology interviews
H Geography, am
N5 Geography, pm
AH Geography, pm
Wed: Lunch & Learn
N5 & H Music, am
AH Music, pm
Thurs: N5 & H Physics, am
AH Physics, pm
Fri: Attainment visit
N5 & H French, am
AH French, pm
Notice Boards
The last week at Balfron
Pics include:
Eco Club
S1 Rugby Team
Teachers V S6 Pupils netball
Teachers V S6 Pupils football
Onion planting
The Final Countdown
Please take photos and share with me directly or through Twitter (with pupils' permission). Let's recognise and celebrate all the good stuff. We will also share in the Parent Noticeboard. #wearebalfron
CLPL opportunities
With exam leave started we tend to turn our attentions to development work and professional develoment of our own interest.
Have a look below at the CLPL opportunites available:
Lunch n Learn, Professional Reading Library, Education Scotland Learn , Walkthrus, BHS Digital CLPL, Professional Book Club
Professional Reading Library - Strathendrick Suite
Scan the QR codes in the library to borrow a book
Lunch N Learn: Weekly inhouse CLPL
Lunch N Learn
Wed 24 April
A new series of CLPL inputs around the use of literacy and vocabulary in our classrooms to boost attainment.
Presented by Nicola
Join us, Wednesday lunchtimes
Digital CLPL
always available through the links below:
Education Scotland: Professional Learning Modules
Digital Resource Library and Walkthurs
Find lots of links here to blogs, podcasts, research papers etc.
Walkthrus is a new digital resource we have subscribed to.
It is a rich resource full of structured routines for developing all aspects of Learning & Teaching - it can be used individually as well as full departments.
It's really excellent - click on the link to explore more.
Professional Book Club
We are reading:
Making every lesson count
There are lots of copies of this book in our school, come join us!
Powering up our seniors for successful studying
Quick links for form and class resourcing
National supported study, free offer to all learners.
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Teachers Guide to the BHS Study Planner - 3 min watch
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BHS senior study planner
e-sgoil weekly online supported study timetable
Our Priorities for improvement 2023-24
Increased consistency in Learning & Teaching
Improved Wellbeing & Inclusion of all young people
Increased offer in Curriculum
Increased Attainment & Achievement
Increased influence of Pupil Voice on Improvement
One portal to hold all information
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Useful Links