Primary school with 11 pupils receives positive inspection report

A Mull primary school, with 11 pupils on its roll, has had a positive report from inspectors.

Dervaig Primary School was subject of an Education Scotland inspection in September, and was graded “good” for learning, teaching and assessment, and raising attainment and achievement.

It was rated “satisfactory”, the fourth-highest rank on a six-part scale, for leadership of change, and ensuring wellbeing, equality and inclusion.

However, inspectors are “confident that the school has the capacity to continue to improve” and will make no follow-up visits.

Inspectors said in the report: “Across the school most children engage well in their learning most of the time. Most children say that they enjoy learning.

“They work well in pairs and groups. Most children are respectful of each other and participate well in class discussions.

“A minority of lessons are overly teacher directed. In these lessons, children are too passive in their learning.

“Most older children report that they would like more opportunity to have greater responsibility for their learning. Most children are highly motivated by choice and when taking responsibility for aspects of their learning.

“Teachers should provide further opportunities for all children to be more active participants and to take a greater lead in learning.

“In most lessons, teachers’ instructions and explanations are clear. This helps children understand the purpose of their learning.

“In most lessons, staff refer back to what children are learning and how they can be successful. This allows children to reflect on their progress and assess their own learning.”

The report added: “Staff recognise, celebrate and share children’s achievements, both in and out of school, with the school community. They do this at assembly, in class and on online platforms.

“Staff track children’s participation in clubs and outside activities regularly to ensure they identify gaps in children’s opportunities for achievement.

“Children across the school displayed their artwork as part of their community art exhibition in the Village Hall. They were rightly proud to see their creations valued, showcased and shared with the local community in this way.

“Children are not yet able to talk confidently about the skills they are developing through these activities. Staff should support children to identify and profile the skills for learning, life and work they are developing as a result of their participation.”