Dundee City Council Press Releases

How Do You Rate This
Information/Service?

Recent Press Releases | Archive | 2010 | September subscribe to our RSS feed

Convener's Report on Secondaries

Education convener Cllr Liz Fordyce is giving Dundee secondaries a positive end-of-term report, following a tour she has undertaken of all nine schools.

Cllr Fordyce is praising pupils and staff for their commitment, efforts and enthusiasm after visiting classrooms during lessons as well as taking in the experience of the schools at break times.

She said: "I was very keen to visit all of our secondary schools before the end of term to get a feel for what is happening in the classroom and the corridors.

"It was a very informative and enriching experience and I would like to highlight the hard work and effort that goes on every day in these schools.

"The young people of this city show massive potential and I am impressed by the way secondary schools are helping them to develop both by lessons and by participating in wider life experiences.

"I sat in on French classes, watched maths, English and drama classes and also heard about the facilities used to teach vocational skills like hairdressing. Support for learning was also explained and I liked how everyone works together for the best of our pupils

"Being in corridors during breaks was also very interesting as it showed me how pupils behave out of the classroom. The vast majority of our pupils are well-behaved and when something happens, school staff deal with the situation very quickly to calm it down.

"I have spoken to pupils who are trying to be the best that they can and look upon school as a place to grow and develop. They really enjoy coming to school and it is an inspiration to be around their energy and drive."

Cllr Fordyce added: "Secondary education is about preparing pupils for life after school and I am convinced that job is being well done in Dundee. There is always room for improvement and I understand the efforts that are ongoing to make sure that attainment levels in Dundee keep rising.

"The tour of our secondaries has been a very positive experience and I am now looking forward to getting round all our primary and nursery schools."

Cllr Fordyce's highlights of the visits include:

"Craigie High: I was impressed by the determination of the maths department to keep on improving and the school is also making good use of technology and the Glow computer educational network

"St John's High: The school is working hard on a music and enterprise project which will culminate in a show at Dundee Rep. There is input from singer Michael Marra and the project involves good liaison with the Lochee community.

"Braeview Academy: The school's transformation has been reflected in a front page feature in the Times Educational Supplement. Pupils are hugely supportive of the school aim of encouraging them to be the best they can be.

"Menzieshill High: The school has done well in national competitions testing the creative skills of pupils. The music department is also excellent and the school has its own pipe band.

"St Paul's Academy: There is a very positive ethos following the merging of the two schools for the new identity and the move into new building. Staff and pupils are very proud of St Paul's and the departments are all working well.

"Harris Academy: There is a lot of feeling for the traditions of Harris Academy and everyone is working hard at the school. I was impressed by the commitment and effort in all subject areas.

"Grove Academy: Everyone is looking forward to the completion of the new building. The school has many strengths and I enjoyed seeing the art and music departments.

"Baldragon Academy: The school is determined to tackle a number of challenges to help all pupils make the most of their time at school. At the Baldragon prizegiving, pupils planned and delivered an excellent buffet.

"Morgan Academy: I enjoyed talking to staff and pupils during lessons. The young people have a really positive attitude towards their school which is demonstrated by the lack of litter left behind at break times."

Press Release Date: Wednesday 01 July 2009