Outstanding ISI Inspection Report

25 May 2010

Summary of our ISI Inspection Report, 2009

The curriculum at Aberdour contributes positively to pupils’ development in all areas of learning: linguistic, mathematical, scientific, technological, human and social, physical, aesthetic and creative. Educational opportunities at our School promote the acquisition of the skills of speaking, listening, literacy and numeracy, and the provision for extra-curricula opportunities are outstanding.

Pupils are confident and very articulate. They can clearly develop opinions and discuss well, showing their understanding. Listening skills are particularly strong. Results in national tests at the age of seven are well above the national average, and far above the national average for pupils at the age of eleven.

We gained the highest score attainable in an Inspection for our academic profile.

Throughout the School, an excellent variety of trips and visits enrich the curriculum, and the Aberdour Challenge offers exciting challenges for responsibility, leadership and personal development. The School pays careful attention to preparing pupils for the next stage of their education. In and out of the classroom, pupils are considerate of the right of others to express opinions, and they work in a purposeful and calm manner. Their behaviour is exemplary, and they settle at the start of lessons single-mindedly applying themselves happily and with enjoyment.

The School is outstanding in all four areas of spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. The whole school fulfils its aims to encourage self-discipline, confidence, self-esteem and personal responsibility, and to encourage understanding of and respect for others, both inside the school and in the outside world. Pupils realise that everyone is unique and they respect the values and beliefs of others.

The quality of pastoral care is outstanding, and the school is highly effective in ensuring the welfare, health and safety of pupils. The exceptionally high quality of relationships between pupils, and between staff and pupils, is an important feature of life at Aberdour. Children are polite and courteous, and they feel trusted by the staff.

Links with parents and the community are outstanding.

An extract from the Report’s Conclusion states:

The personal development of pupils is outstanding, and this is underpinned by the excellent pastoral care provided by all staff, teaching and non-teaching, throughout the school. Pupils learn and achieve well because their attitudes to learning and their behaviour are exemplary, relationships are very strong, and because teaching is effective. Pupils are unfailingly courteous, friendly and happy at School.

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