Standards and Quality Report 2002-03 Page 7

Learning and Teaching

In Lionel School, we aim to provide high quality learning and teaching through a balanced curriculum for all pupils, provide pupils with the experience and skills appropriate to their aptitude and ability, including homework and reports on pupil progress, and to ensure that programmes of study are best suited to individual needs.

Key Strengths
No	Quality Indicator	Themes	4	3	2	1
3.1	Teachers' planning	Our teaching plans take account of national and local curriculum guidelines and policies. Activities, like homework, are planned to make effective use of time. Staff use opportunities for planning with colleagues.
3.2	The teaching process	Teaching approaches, including the use of ICT, optimise the opportunities available to work with pupils in whole-class, group and individual situations. Homework is planned and well linked to classwork. Teachers use praise and share the purposes of lessons with pupils.
3.3	Pupils' learning experiences	Our learning environment is challenging, motivating and stimulating, and pupils usually work well. The pace of learning enables pupils to make good progress with their work. Pupils take responsibility for their own learning, and have a good understanding of what is needed to improve.
3.4	Meeting pupils' needs	Learning tasks and activities are matched to the needs of pupils, and learning and teaching approaches are such that pupils are helped to achieve their next steps in learning. Pupils contribute to setting their own learning targets, and appropriate account is taken of pupils’ cultural and linguistic background, particularly with regard to Gaelic.
3.5	Assessment as part of teaching	A range of assessments are employed in judging pupils' progress towards curricular targets. Information as to progress and attainment is regularly transmitted by teachers to pupils. Pupils themselves are involved in dialogue about their progress, and a strong emphasis is placed on valuing achievement and identifying next steps in learning.
3.6	Reporting pupils' progress	Written reports provide clear information of how pupils are progressing within the curriculum, including personal and social development, and indicate the next stages in learning. Parents are encouraged to communicate with the school about their children’s progress, and opportunities to consult with teachers are available. Parents' evenings are well organised, and arrangements are communicated clearly.
Points for Action
3.3	Pupils' learning experiences	The Depute Head Teacher is currently completing a certificate in PSD. We are also looking to individualise learning through setting and learning plans.