Dear colleagues,

Welcome back.  I hope that you have had an enjoyable and restful break. Thanks for your contribution to a successful first term.  It is time to review our progress with the School and Team Improvement Plans.  Here is a link. The SIP/TIPs are saved in the Staff Google Drive - 2024-25 School Improvement.

Attainment Matters

We have our first attainment visit of the year on Monday afternoon.  Led by our new Service Manager, Morven Berry, colleagues will be visiting Balfron High for a 2pm meeting.  Here is a link to the data requested:  Achievement, Attainment & Attendance Meeting. This data has been pulled from Insight.  There is much to celebrate and some key areas for improvement as we know:

• • Young people generally performing well in exams

  • Seeing impact of retrieval practice embedded in lessons

  • Focus on investigation skills in SQA courses

  • Drive for 5 SQA qualifications (all pupils, all levels)

  • Focus on attainment of current/new S5 as S4 attainment dipped in 2024

  • Improve our use of tracking data to inform improvement at all levels

  • Formalise learner conversations at all levels

It would be great if our guests could see the great things that go on in classrooms. If time permits, I will show them around the school.

Study Skills Matter

S4-6 FCLs, please make your form class aware of the National Supported Study webinars available online.  Learners are required to register.  The timetable is below.  Michelle has also been working with the Head Prefects to develop a series of study skills presentations for them and Form Class Leaders to deliver in addition to some assembly input.  We will look at some more targeted study skills input this term, prior to prelims.

Mobile phones policy update feedback & next steps

Thank you for your feedback on the suggested updated mobile phone policy.  You can access the feedback here. The working group are meeting on Wednesday to review the feedback and finalise the plan.

In summary, aspects of the policy change welcomed:

• A general acceptance of a complete ban on phones and headphones in class, as they are seen as distractions.

• Phones should be stored in a safe place (e.g., office or a box) and confiscated immediately if seen in use, with no warnings necessary.

• A consistent approach to enforcement across all grades is important, with clear consequences (such as confiscation until the end of the day) to deter students.

• Teachers agree that this will help maximise focus and learning in the classroom.

• Communication with parents is critical to prevent disputes, and the policy should be clearly outlined to all parties involved.

• There is strong support for a clear, tightened policy with a uniform standard for enforcement.

In summary, aspects of the policy that need further thought:

The feedback raises some practical concerns about the proposed phone and headphone confiscation policy. Key points include:

1. Clarity and Enforcement: The zero-tolerance policy must be explicitly clear to staff and pupils. There's concern about increased student resistance and the need for senior staff to handle referrals and removals.

2. Logistical Challenges: Many teachers question how confiscating phones and taking them to the office is feasible given their full teaching commitment. It may add stress and poses risks of damage or theft. Some staff lack secure storage in their rooms, raising further concerns about accountability. Impact on teaching time was raised.

3. Impact on Learning: Teachers suggest that confiscating phones in certain subjects (e.g., design or biology) where pupils may use phones for educational purposes could negatively affect learning. Alternative resources may be required.

4. Consistency Across Year Groups: Some suggest that senior pupils (S4-6) are more problematic with phones, whereas younger pupils (S1-3) generally keep their phones in bags. There is debate about whether all year groups should follow the same policy, with concerns that requiring phones in boxes could increase usage between classes.

5. Consistency of Application: Concerns are raised about whether the policy will be consistently enforced and monitored by all staff. The feedback suggests that inconsistent enforcement may lead to student pushback and further disruption.

6. Alternative Suggestions: Teachers propose other solutions, such as school leadership conducting "sweeps" to collect phones, a review of the behaviour policy, and finding a balance between enforcing the rules and maintaining positive classroom relationships.

Overall, while the staff supports the idea of reducing phone usage in class, they highlight several practical and logistical challenges that need to be addressed.

CLPL Matters

Thanks to Michelle for organising a super in-house CLPL provision.  Why not join in the Active Learners, Active Thinkers programme on Thursday lunchtime in C8, where Emma Slavin will be presenting on introverts in the classroom.  More info below.

Have a great week. 

Elaine