Balfron Matters 

Dear colleagues,

It is great to be back at Balfron High. Thank you for your warm welcome.  I really enjoyed getting round classes and meeting briefly with staff.  It was great to meet new staff.  Returning after a long break has reinforced how special our school is, and what amazing potential we have to make a difference to our young people's lives and chances. While I recognise there will always be challenges, I am really grateful to work with this exceptional blend of adults and young people. 

Attainment Matters

Monday marks the last day of prelims.  Thanks as always to Phil for his meticulous organisation.  The logistics are massive.  Thanks also to Elaine J and Lynne for the significant work done ensuring that our AAA pupils are appropriately supported. 

Many of you will still have your hands full with marking.  I know you will be keen to feedback quickly to young people and parents/ carers.  Once marking is complete, it is time to use data to identify patterns of attainment/ underachievement within classes and courses.  This should inform interventions and areas for re-focus in class/homework.

Insight analysis with Lewis Patterson (Scot Gov) in June '23, highlighted that there is scope for improvement in our attainment in S5.  There has been a pattern of low progression rates from S4 to S5.  This is a focus for whole school improvement. Please remember that we have a positive presentation policy.  Our main objective is to keep young people in courses and maximise their overall attainment. 

It is useful to note that a 'D' at Higher is worth 149 tariff points, while an 'A' at N5 is worth 84. It is definitely worth keeping young people in courses - remember a 'D' is considered a course award by SQA. Here is a link to the Insight Tariff Scores.

Inevitably there will be some changes.  Please note that these should not be agreed with the pupil by the class teacher.  Suggested changes must go through the PT and Phil, who will engage with the young person and parents, considering the overview subjects.

With all of this in mind, the Senior phase tracking is scheduled for this week.  You will hear from Phil in due course.

S2/3 FCL interviews and S2/3 Staged Intervention meetings continue this week. Getting our young people in the right courses at the optimal levels is critical for them and us.  It is crucial that recent tracking data to help inform choices.

Seniors are back on Thursday so Head Prefects will be providing refreshments as for Thankful Thursday.  You can nominate through the link on the right. Let a young person or colleague know that their effort is appreciated.

Have a great week.

Elaine & Claire

• 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