Balfron Matters 

Dear colleagues,

We have been presented with a Gold Scottish Languages Employability Award! It is fantastic to secure formal recognition from the Scottish National Centre for Languages (SCILT). There are three awards (bronze, silver, gold) and our gold award recognises work done with multiple yeargroups and multiple partners.  Congratulations and many thanks to the Languages Team, Aileen Crawford and all of the young people involved for the important work done.  

Back to Basics

I am doing my best to get round classes and reminding young people about expectations. I think I have seen almost everyone now.  To be successful, this needs consistency, so let's help eachother get this right from the start of each lesson.  I am focusing on being ready and responsible:

• outdoor jackets off

• reminders about uniform

• mobile phones off/silent and in bags

As you know from our Relationships Policy , expectations are for young people to be Ready, Respectful & Safe.  Where you can, please use this language peppered with a good smattering of our school values! As per the policy, we ask that staff meet young people at the door to set the tone for lessons. We will reinforce this through assemblies week beginning 19th February.

I am also keen to clarify expectations for young people (particularly the younger ones) at breaks and lunchtime.  I would like to cut down on the running around, carry-on and mess.  PTs will receive an email on Monday morning asking them to confirm who does have permission to be in your area at breaks. If you can lock your door at breaks if you are not in your room, it will help avoid unexpected guests!

Attainment Matters

Thanks for your hard working marking and moderating prelims.  Tracking is nearly ready to go.  To add value, interventions start now.  To support improved attainment, teachers and teams should:

• identify learning gaps - discuss & support young people to set learner goals

• identify patterns - consider areas for reteaching/learning, homework, focused revision

I have added a useful overview of the purpose of tracking & monitoring from Education Scotland below.

Mobile March

Thanks to the 56 collegaues who have completed the survey regarding a views on a phone ban, and the pros and cons of phones in school.  I plan to close the survey on Monday and share an analysis on Wednesday.  

Over the last couple of years we have raised issues regarding the impact of mobile phones on wellbeing and learning during mobile March.  This was previously led by David Whiteford, supported by a range of staff.  I am keen that we do something similar, have a half plan and I am looking for help please. I have looked out our previous resourses which are pretty good.  If you could offer a hand, please email or see me.  It would be much 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