SIXTH year pupils Reece Aris, Godwin Soukpe, Alex McGavigan and Tyler Wright have brilliant exam results under their belts, and bright futures ahead of them.
The four 17-year-olds, who are part of the S6 leadership team at John Paul Academy in Summerston, met recently to discuss Education Scotland’s glowing inspection report of their school, which they described as a “boost” for staff and pupils.
“It is good to see our school being recognised,” says Tyler, who is going to university to study sport science. “Our school motto is Goodness and Knowledge and I think it’s the goodness part that comes through in this report.”
Alex, who is going to study for a business management degree at university, agrees.
“Our teachers give us a lot of support in different ways,” she explains. “For example, they run a Saturday school for supported study and that’s really amazing. They don’t mind helping us on Saturdays which is really good.”
Reece, who starts a degree in civil engineering after the summer, adds: “Inclusion is really important. I help run an after-school basketball club which is good for the younger pupils to come and mix with other people, and build up their confidence."
He adds: "There are a number of things like that happening in the school, not just in sport, which is good.”
Godwin, who is going to study law at university, said: “We all got five Highers and we got good support to help us achieve that. Everyone is encouraged to follow the school values and I think that makes a difference. The report is really good.”
Education Scotland inspectors praised the headteacher’s “strong leadership of change and vision of excellence for the community of John Paul Academy” and the “collaborative school culture.”
The report said these resulted in “a very respectful, nurturing, and inclusive learning environment and positive outcomes for young people, their families and members of the local community.”
It added: “Highly effective partnerships with a range of vocational agencies support high quality learning pathways and positive post-school destinations for young people.”
Staff at the “very effective” Integration Centre were also praised for providing “highly personalised learning experiences and opportunities that support young people very well to participate fully in the school.”
The report added: “Almost all young people who attend the Integration Centre make very good progress in their learning and leave school with a range of qualifications.”
Inspectors also praised “young people’s consistently strong attainment in literacy in S4, by S5 and by S6.”
Areas for improvement were identified and discussed with the headteacher and a representative from Glasgow City Council, including a need to “ensure that the views of all young people and their parents are sought and acted on to further inform planning linked to young people’s learning.”
The school should also “provide improved and well-structured leadership opportunities for staff and young people” and “continue to develop the school’s very positive strategies for raising attainment, especially for the highest attaining young people.”
Councillor Christina Cannon, city convener for education, communities and equalities said: “This is a very positive inspection report for the school and highlights the strengths of the headteacher and school staff in their unwavering support of their young people.”
The report’s findings have caused a buzz around the school, which has around 900 pupils.
In the Integration Centre, principal teacher Lori Serapiglia is chatting to pupils taking part in an art class.
The centre caters for around 30 young people, with a wide range of needs, from across the local community and further afield.
“Our pupils may have autism, learning disabilities or be recovering from trauma,” explains Lori.
“The aim is to integrate these young people into mainstream education by the time they reach the senior phase – but what we do here is not just about school, it’s about integrating into society too. We were all proud of the recognition the centre received in the report.”
She adds, with a smile: “We have a lot of fun here, too, getting to know the young people and their individual needs. It’s the best job. We laugh all the time.”
Just along the corridor, some first years are taking part in a reading group in the ‘wellbeing hub’, a classroom set up to help those anxious about coming to school.
Principal teacher Bernadette Allan explains: “By providing a softer start, we can help pupils who perhaps struggle coming in to school, for a variety of reasons. We have set up a ‘nurture nook’, where young people can feel more relaxed and there’s a kitchen for baking sessions.”
Headteacher David Owen, who took up the post in December 2021, is proud of the school’s inspection success, and its “values-based” approach to learning.
“Our values – faith, inclusion, love and excellence – are at the heart of everything we do,” he says.
David was previously a principal teacher of pupil support and depute head at John Paul Academy, before becoming headteacher, so he understands the school’s community well, he explains.
“Being at the heart of its community is really important for any school, and it’s a community I care deeply about,” he says.
“John Paul Academy is located in one of the most deprived areas of the city, and while that might shape the young people’s early years, it does not define them.
“It is important our curriculum meets the needs of every pupil, that everyone can find their way through.
“We want to support all of our pupils, to help them broaden their horizons and reach their potential.”
Coming out of Covid, says David, has not been an easy task for any school.
“It was tough, but it is great to see the shoots of hope as everyone starts reconnecting and re-engaging,” he adds. “We are definitely back on track.”
The full report is available on the Education Scotland website.
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