A GLASGOW school with a “sector-leading” department for deaf pupils has been praised by inspectors.
The Education Scotland team said “skilled staff” at St Roch’s Secondary in Royston “provide very high-quality learning and teaching, and support young people to attain and achieve very well, including in British Sign Language.
“ As a result, young people are confident, articulate and proud of their deaf identity.”
The inspectors described pupils at St Roch’s – where 48 languages are spoken, and six different sign languages are used - as “a considerable strength of the school.”
The report added: “Staff foster mutually respectful and positive relationships with young people and families. The school community celebrate their rich cultural and ethnic diversity routinely, creating a strong sense of belonging and inclusion.”
Headteacher Kevin Herron was praised for his “strong strategic leadership” and the inspectors added: “Staff work with a range of partners effectively to support improved outcomes for young people. This includes successful work to develop young people’s sense of wellbeing, inclusion and achievement, that help young people achieve positive post-school destinations.”
The report noted that the headteacher should “continue to enhance the leadership of all staff” and staff should “continue to work together to deliver effective learning and teaching…and to raise the attainment of all young people, based on increased ambition and aspiration for all young people” as areas for improvement.
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They also advised that staff should “continue with their positive work on improving the school curriculum… and focus on developing the range of learner pathways available to young people as they progress through the school.”
Mr Herron said he was “absolutely delighted” with the report.
“We place no limit on the ambition we have for our young people and families,” he added.
“Alongside our young people, our diversity is identified as one of our key strengths. We are reflective of modern Glasgow with more than 48 languages spoken and six different sign languages used in our Deaf Education Department.
“This is a school community which was rooted in immigration and to this day remains a school open to all: a place where everyone is welcomed, cared for and loved.”
Mr Herron added: “Community is at the heart of St Roch’s and none of our achievements could be possible without the dedication and commitment of all colleagues, our families, support across our local parishes and our excellent partnership working.
“No limit is placed on our continued ambition to deliver for our young people and the community which we are all so proud of.”
Councillor Christina Cannon, city convener for education and early years said: “This is a great report for St Roch’s Secondary with many strengths highlighted.
“What is obvious is the strong sense of community within the school which underpins their values of helping others.
“Pupil voice also shines through, and I love the ‘you said – we did’ examples of young people’s involvement in many aspects of school life.
“How great too that inspectors make specific reference to the sector-leading practice in the department of deaf education.
“Well done to the headteacher and everyone associated with St Roch’s Secondary – great report.”
The full report is available on the Education Scotland website.
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