Castlemilk school's digital learning praised by inspectors

The team from His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Education (HMIE) in Scotland said teachers at Castleton Primary used a range of “highly effective and creative approaches” to enhance children’s learning.

The report said: “This is an important strength in the work of the school. Staff support children effectively to use mathematics programmes, applications and coding technology to develop their critical thinking and digital skills successfully.

“Older children confidently teach younger children digital skills, for example, creating animations with software on tablets. Staff created a film studio where children develop a range of skills in creating and editing films.”

Pupils in Castleton Primary get to work in the classroom. (Image: Castleton Primary)

The report, which is available in full on the HMIE in Scotland website also praised the “very effective leadership of the headteacher and senior leaders” and added: “All staff know children and families very well. They create a very inclusive ethos where strong nurturing relationships support children’s wellbeing and readiness to learn effectively.”

The inspectors praised Castleton’s “Creative Classroom” approach, where pupils helped teachers redesign the school’s learning spaces.

The school's Creative Classroom approach drew praise from inspectors. (Image: Castleton Primary)

The report added: “Children have very good opportunities for independence and choice during learning. This is helping most children to be motivated and enjoy learning activities.”

Primary seven pupils Cole, Amelia and Lilly are proud of their school.

"Castleton is a place where we can learn freely and with loads of fun,” said Cole.

“We have pupil led groups, competitions and shows like Castleton's Got Talent. In our topics we answer personal big questions that we want to know about and have the chance to say what we want to learn, why and how."

Amelia said: "We use our ‘must do’ tasks to help us revise and get better at things like maths and reading every day. They help me to feel more confident and taught me to be organised. My favourite thing about Castleton though is being able to help the younger children and being a playground buddy." 

Lilly added: “Castleton is a great school. We run committees for lots of different subjects too, so there is always lots of fun stuff happening around the school.”

Robbie, who is in primary two, said: “Our classrooms have zones so we can decide where to play and what we want to learn. I know lots of about flags from different countries so I am building them with LEGO. I finished my ‘must do’ tasks so I can build here now."

Jackie McIver, headteacher, said: “The whole team at Castleton Primary is extremely proud of our recent report. Our children deserve the best possible education, and our team works tirelessly day in, day out to provide this.

“Visitors to our school always comment on the positive ethos, calm learning environment and wonderful children. HMIE were no different.

“As a reflective school team, we will continue to be the best we can be for every child and family who is already part of our amazing Castleton team and any who join us in the future.”

As areas for improvement, inspectors said senior leaders and staff should “continue to work with parents to highlight the importance of regular attendance for all children in school” and “ensure all children experience consistently increased challenge in all lessons.”