Dear colleagues,

Thanks for your hard work and professionalism in another week that was both challenging and successful in many different ways. 

Attainment & Achievement

The Outstanding awards Ceremony was excellent - massive thanks to Claire, Anna and the admin team for their hard work behind the scenes making the ceremony so professional and run seamlessly. Thanks also to Neil for capturing the photos below.

It was lovely to Erin McKee, former Head Girl (2012-13) return to Balfron to give a keynote speech.  Erin is currently special advisor to the First Minister, advising on Health and Social care.  Erin delivered a motivational speech outlining her journey highs and low from starting at Buchlyvie Primary School to the present day.  She was extremely positive about her time at Balfron and the significant impact Mrs Reid as her Modern Studies teacher had on her learning and development.  Through modern studies and debating, Erin found her thing!

SIP Update 2025-26

Given analysis of Insight data showing outcomes for ASN pupils are lower than the VC, this is a priority area for school and team improvement.  The SIP will be updated accordingly.  Teams should also add this to TIPs. We must know our ASN learners, be certain about their individual needs (from Pupil Profiles) and support and track their progress more rigorously. Consideration to our curriculum and getting the pathways right for learners is also essential.  Every young person should leave Balfron with 5 qualifications including a literacy and numeracy qualification.

Wellbeing

Thanks to Monica for shining a light on healthy eating and promoting Snack-Tember. If you haven't already, please make use of the powerpoint and video that Monica has shared to promote healthy snacking.

Thanks to Andrew for organising the S5/6 PSE programme.  We do work an extraction model so as part of that S5 and S6 girls will be working with Stirling Women's Aid this week. They will be looking at various aspects of gender based violence, how to identify GBV and consider what can be done to change behaviours. This dovetails with our ESAS work.

Recalibrate - we're building futures together

When we are knee deep in the business and challenge of a busy term, it is important to recalibrate particularly when it feels hard. Remember what we are collectively trying to do - build futures for everyone - the most important & privileged jobs in the world!  Our young people need a broad range of different things - I guess that's the crux of the challenge. While remaining focused on the achievement and attainment of all, your patience, understanding of individual needs and unwavering commitment to get it right is crucial.  Thank you for the difference that you make, particularly with our hardest to reach learners who need us most.

Family Learning - let's do this!

Questions for parents from Feb 2025 HMIe survey: 

The school gives me advice on how to support my child at home

• More than 50% of respondents disagreed or strongly disagreed.

The school organises activities where my child and I can learn together

• 34% disagreed, 30% didn't know.

With this in mind and to invest in positive and trusting relationships with parents of S1, Andrew Burns is arranging for a supporting learners evening on Wednesday 1st October at 5:30-7:30pm. We are hoping to offer inputs on supporting literacy and numeracy with drops ins, as well as any other supportive ideas you may have. Staff will be paid the supported study rate for this (£25 per hour). If there is something you feel would be helpful to offer please let Andrew know via email.  It would also be great to give S1 parents a taste of what goes on in each area of the school.

Raising Attainment & Achievement - Targeting pupils update

I have had some robust and positive conversations with colleagues about our focus on 5 Higher candidates.  Some colleagues raised that the focus on only 5 Higher candidates for targeted support was proving problematic.  Instead, to ensure we act in keeping with our school values, we should extend the target group to all higher candidates who have progressed from a weaker N5.  With that in mind, please DO include these learners in your interventions.

Please do make use of out of the supported study funding available.  Liaise with your PT and they can complete the Supported Study Request Form outlining the plan and target pupils. I will quickly get back to you with a response. Thanks in advance for offering this.  This is for targeted pupils only.

Thanks again for your hard work and professionalism.  Have a great week.

Elaine