An Aberdeen primary school has been hailed as Scotland’s best after receiving an exceptional review from the Education Scotland inspectorate.
Middleton Park Primary School in Aberdeen’s Bridge of Don received an unprecedented “Excellent” rating in 11 out of 12 quality indicators – making it the most highly graded primary in Scotland.
The report highlighted the use of digital technology in the school as well as mentioning “the outstanding leadership of the head teacher” as one of the school’s key strengths.
Education Scotland wrote in their inspection report: “The outstanding use of digital technology to develop learning is Live Learning.
“Through this [scheme], children film or create animations to show their understanding of their recent learning or support younger children to develop their understanding. This is totally child-led.
“The quality of these clips is outstanding. As well as being a rich learning experience for children, it is also used by staff as an innovative assessment tool.”
Head teacher Jenny Watson said: “Working in partnership with parents and staff is at the heart of our approach to learning. And the Live Learning has been particularly beneficial for the pupils, parents and staff.
“In achieving 11 Excellent marks, we are understandably incredibly proud of this achievement and hope our success can be mirrored across Aberdeen.”
Aberdeen City Council leader, Jenny Laing, said: “It’s a wonderful report and a testament to the work of the teachers and parents and the vision of Jenny Watson.
“Digital learning is not all about giving a child a tablet. Technology is, of course, important, but a school without a clear strategy of purpose will not succeed, no matter how advanced the resources.
“What we have seen here at Middleton Park is a game-changing approach to education and the results speak for themselves.
“The staff, pupils and parents, who have all worked well together over the past year, should be proud of themselves. We are immensely proud of them.
“What is really incredible in this report is that not only are our pupils striving academically – but a picture is also painted about how well-adjusted, confident and happy the children are.
“The emotional well-being of pupils in our schools is as important as their academic achievements – and this glowing report reflects that.