Allan Rattray Head Teacher celebrates the HMIE report with a group of S1 and S2 students.
The range of positive partnerships which enhance learners' experiences, the success in raising young people's aspirations and the strong leadership of the head teacher in securing improvement have all been praised by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Education (HMIE) in an official report on South Ayrshire Council's Girvan Academy published today (Tuesday).
The school, which has more than 600 pupils, was inspected in April 2011 as a follow-up to a 2009 report, which had identified some areas for improvement.
Today's report recognises the many strengths within the school: young people developing confidence in themselves as learners; a more consistent approach to learning across the school; students having a say in how they learn; improved use of information and communications technology; involving those with individualised educational programmes in discussions about their progress; staff working hard to equip young people with skills to lead successful lives beyond school; Curriculum for Excellence developing well; and ensuring pupils experience a broad general education by the end of S3.
Allan Rattray, Head Teacher at Girvan Academy was noted in the report as having "provided strong leadership and clear direction to enable improvement. He has shared his vision for the school. He is highly committed to the school and local community".
There was also praise for all the school employees who are working as a team to provide a consistent approach to improvement across the school, which has led to improved morale and support to take initiatives forward.
Councillor Hywel Davies, Portfolio Holder for Lifelong Learning, said: "Girvan Academy has achieved an outstanding report that truly reflects the way the school is flourishing.
"The way in which the management team and all the school staff work together for the benefit of the students is to be commended. The students themselves are very involved in developing their school and enthusiastically work with the staff. In particular the school council regularly consults with its peers and shares information with the staff.
"Girvan Academy believes in celebrating success using display boards, newsletters, the school website and awards ceremonies which show the school community and the broader community their skills and achievements. And today's report is yet another achievement worth celebrating."
Allan Rattray added: "I am very pleased our school has received such an excellent report.
"The improvement in the school has been achieved by the students, parents/carers, staff, student council, parent council and the wider community working together. As a team we are very strong and this is paying dividends.
"We aim to educate our students and make them well rounded active citizens who achieve the best possible outcomes and, through new and exciting learning opportunities, it's clear we are doing just that."
The HMIE report concluded by saying "there are clear signs of significant improvement" and "the school now performs much better overall."
To read the full report on Girvan Academy, visit www.hmie.gov.uk.