Lornshill Academy
Tullibody Road
Alloa
FK10 2EU
Tel: 01259 214331
Fax: 01259 720402
Email: lornshill@edu.clacks.gov.uk
Headteacher: Daniel Murphy
Current roll: 1057
Lornshill Academy is a very typical Scottish comprehensive school, with a strong commitment to inclusion and attainment for all pupils in the community. Since the appointment of a new Headteacher at the end of 2003, a number of initiatives have been developed in the school to promote PRIDE (participation, respect, inclusion, determination, education) in Lornshill. The school is using increasing curriculum flexibility possible in Scotland in the light of the national curriculum review published in November 2004 to conduct a number of experiments designed to open up the excitement of learning to all. We also are near the final stages of concluding a contract to build a new school through PPP initiative in Clackmannanshire Council. This will offer us the opportunity to combine an innovative forward vision for the school with the best of current design within available resources. In September 2007, Her Majesty's Inspectors of Schools reported on their Inspection of Lornshill. The report, which is available from the school or from their website, stated that Lornshill was an improving school, moving in the right direction and they set out a number of recommendations for further improvement which the school is actively implementing. This is an exciting time to be in Scottish education and to be in Lornshill.
One of the first purpose-built comprehensives in Scotland, the current Lornshill building offers many facilities including three House Areas, (each with its own networked Guidance Office, canteen, social area and storage lockers) a library and a 220-seat theatre. The on-site Tulligarth Community Leisure Complex guarantees pupil access throughout the school term to excellent facilities including a swimming pool, two large floodlit multi-purpose playing surfaces and a refurbished Games Hall.
Our 1100 pupils come from widely varied backgrounds in villages and small towns within a five mile radius. The seven associated primaries , with which there are strong curricular and pastoral links, generate an annual S1 intake of over 200 pupils while approximately double that number study certificate courses in S4, 5 and 6.
The Senior Leadership Team consists of the Headteacher, Mr Murphy and 4 Depute Headteachers (Mr Murray, Mr Wood, Mrs Dunlop and Mr McClure). Principal Teachers have responsibility for the work of Subject Departments and Faculties, while pupil support needs are met through 6 Principal Teachers of Support (pastoral) and a Prinicpal Teacher of Additional Support. The total teaching staff complement is approximately 83.
Significant developments across the curriculum have taken place in recent years in Information and Communication Technology (ICT). In addition to the integration of the Business Education and Computing Departments with a new Faculty, ICT has been integrated into a number of areas across the school such as Science, Technical Education and Music. There is an integrated ICT course in S1/2. There are around 200 computers in the school with a school network giving pupils access to the Internet and e-mail facilities. ICT is a common area for development between Lornshill and its associated Primary Schools with a co-ordinated approach to teaching ICT skills in place. Teaching staff develop the use of ICT to support effective learning and teaching and significant numbers of them have undertaken some form of training. Computer based systems are beginning to be used for recording pupil attainment and reporting to parents.
A School Librarian, eight Classroom Assistants, three School Technicians and visiting part-time Instrumental Instructors offer valuable support to the curricular provision as do Supervisory Assistants who have duties associated with those youngsters with Additional Support Needs, and those who require specific or general learning support.
Clerical staff, janitors and school helpers contribute to the administrative efficiency and overall order and well being of the community. Educational Psychologists, Forth Valley Health Board personnel, Careers Scotland personnel, Chaplains and other visiting specialists and speakers make an important contribution to overall provision. The school derives considerable benefit from the support provided by Parent Council and the active Parent Staff Association.
The school is committed to every child achieving their best, ensuring that all pupils are given every assistance to reach their individual potential in terms of academic attainment and personal development. All staff are expected to play their part in maintaining a caring, supportive but demanding ethos and in the provision of appropriate educational experiences for each and every pupil. Currently we are reviewing how we intend to implement the exciting proposals of 'A Curriculum for Excellence'.
Attainment targets are set and specific strategies are put in place to overtake these. In turn these strategies are reinforced by a well-established Supported Study Scheme and a reporting system which plays a crucial part in the close co-operation and two-way communication that characterise our Parent School Partnership programme.
The achievement agenda at Lornshill encompasses more than attainment, however. Positive Discipline programmes, Activity breaks, Health promoting programmes, trips abroad, "buddy" systems and a huge variety of sporting , musical and other extra-curricular activities offer pupils an enriched experience with opportunities for success, achievement - and wholesome enjoyment - in many areas. The resultant relationships forged with the staff including a part-time Sports Co-ordinator, undoubtedly benefit the teaching and learning situation in the classroom and hence, contribute to the wider achiever.
