Cathedral Primary’s top HMIe

Dec 10 2009 by Shirley Bartynek, Hamilton Advertiser

A MOTHERWELL primary school has received one of the best HMIE reports in Scotland.

Our Lady of Good Aid Cathedral Primary has also been given the best ever report for any primary school in North Lanarkshire.

The report says it’s providing high quality education handled by a head

teacher who is an outstanding leader.

It received three 'excellent' evaluations and two 'very good evaluations'.

It showed major strengths and improvements in performance, learners' experiences and meeting learning needs.

Examples of good practice include support for children as an additional language (EAL) - the school has Polish and Congolese students.

Come clubbing @ Cathedral - a range of clubs for pupils including sport, dance and writing for the school newspaper.

Some other examples highlighted in the report include the Eco committee members developing children's awareness of recycling through their popular 'Swappin' Shoppin' Boutique'.

The award-winning school choir of nearly ninety children performing at various events, including with the adult choir at Motherwell Cathedral.

Highly effective teaching assessment and tracking systems helping staff to ensure that all children make suitable progress.

"The report is full of praise for the learning environment that the children experience," said convener of learning and leisure services committee, councillor Jim Logue.

"And it is testament to the staff, pupils and parents associated with Cathedral Primary. I'm sure they are all very proud of their achievement and I would like to wish them all every success for the future."

Maria Shields, Head Teacher is delighted for everyone involved.

She said: “Our pupils are our strongest resource and as always, show themselves as great ambassadors for the school. They are extremely proud of one another and their school.

“Our entire team of staff work tirelessly to ensure they meet the needs of all children and our excellence in improvement in performance, learners' experiences and meeting learning needs is testimony to their commitment.

“They are dedicated to realising the potential of every individual child.

“The active involvement of our parents in our school day and beyond benefits every child. We are very grateful to our parent forum for their continuous support and look forward to another successful term.”