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Standard Inspection of McLaren High School Stirling Council

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1. Introduction 2. How well are pupils performing?

McLaren High School provides secondary education for Callander and the wide surrounding rural area. At the time of the inspection the school roll was 629. Pupils’ attendance was above the national average.

The inspection took place in April 1998 as part of a national sample of secondary education. It evaluated how well pupils were performing, the effectiveness of the school and how well the school was managed.

HM Inspectors assessed the school’s processes for self-evaluation and development planning. They evaluated learning and teaching across all subjects and stages, examined pupils’ work and interviewed staff and pupils.

The results of a questionnaire sent to a sample of parents were taken into account during the inspection. Members of the inspection team also met with the Chairperson of the School Board.

Attainment in English and mathematics at S1/S2 In English language, most pupils in S1/S2 were attaining appropriate national targets in reading, talking and listening . Pupils could read effectively, although for some the range of their personal reading was too limited. Pupils expressed their views clearly in discussion. The majority attained appropriate national targets in writing but many relied too heavily on teacher support in editing their work.

In mathematics, most pupils were attaining appropriate national targets in shape, position and movement and in information handling . In number, money and measurement , the majority of pupils attained the relevant national targets. However, many pupils’ understanding of the relationship between decimals and fractions was weak and their mental calculation skills needed to be improved. Some pupils demonstrated a good understanding of algebra. Pupils had been able to develop a good range of strategies for problem-solving and enquiry .