Report published on Torry Academy
09/03/10
Following a visit from HM Inspectors of Education a report has been published on Torry Academy.
During the follow-through visit inspectors highlighted a number of strengths including the improved focus on attainment and higher expectations of pupils from S3 to S6.
Inspectors found that staff shared good practice and showed positive attitudes to improving outcomes for pupils.
The school continued to widen the range of courses ensuring that pupils gain skills needed for life outside school.
Steps have been taken to introduce more vocational courses including painting and decorating, beauty therapy and plumbing to complement the popular hairdressing course that has run at the school for several years.
The school was found to have significantly increased its expectations of attainment, behaviour and timekeeping.
Inspectors highlighted that the headteacher and senior managers had successfully focused the school on raising attainment and expectations and that teachers were strongly committed to sharing good practice and exploring new ways of teaching.
They also noted the effective systems in place to monitor young people's progress including swift action and parental involvement where necessary.
Director of Education, Culture and Sport Annette Bruton said: "I am pleased with the steady progress made since the initial inspection.
"Inspectors noted the improvements to the monitoring of pupils' progress and the effective leadership and sharing of good practice.
"I am also pleased to see the further development of the curriculum including vocational subjects.
"We will be working closely with the school to build upon the positive progress made to date."
Torry Academy headteacher Jenny Cranna said: "I am pleased to see that the hard work and commitment of the staff, pupils and parents has been acknowledged in this report."
The full report can be viewed by logging on to http://www.hmie.gov.uk.