High Commendation for Tongue Primary School

An HMIE report on Tongue Primary School in Sutherland, highly commends the school and recognises the very positive educational experience provided for pupils.  The inspectors found that there was a welcoming atmosphere, high quality teamwork among all staff and very good relationships among pupils, staff, parents and the local community. 

The report praises a number of key strengths, including the high quality of teaching, particularly in the Gaelic medium class, and high levels of attainment in English language, Gaelic language and mathematics. Teaching overall was recognised as being of very good quality with some examples of excellent practice.

Pupils take part enthusiastically in the school council and have formed responsible attitudes and an awareness of the needs of others through participation in anti-poverty campaigns and fund raising large sums for a range of charities.  The school has enjoyed very good support from parents and the school board, whom the staff have actively involved in the life and work of the school.

This very positive report from the inspectorate makes a small number of recommendations to improve the school, relating to aspects of pupils’ learning (develop ICT/Environmental studies and improve arrangements for religious observance) and school evaluation (improve the rigour of monitoring and evaluation and involve pupils more fully in the planning of their learning experience).

Commenting on the report, the recently-appointed head teacher, Margaret Ferguson,  said: “I am very pleased that the HMI report is so positive.  I feel that it reflects the enthusiasm of our pupils and the commitment of all staff, including our visiting teachers. Our parents, the school board and the local community contribute greatly to school life and I am pleased that this has been recognised as a major strength.”