Services
Attainment, ICT and Enterprise
Council promotes a 'CAN DO' culture of achievement for all pupils. "Over the five year period from 2002-2006 West Lothian has made significant improvement in levels of attainment at almost all levels." HMIE. 
HMIe June 2007: West Lothian has introduced moderation of 5-14 performance since 2006, to ensure consistency between schools. In primary schools the percentage of children attaining at or above the appropriate level for their stage has improved. Secondary schools have extended the range of qualifications to meet the needs of pupils who would not previously have had their attainment recognised. Through evidence based sharing of best practice, West Lothian is focused on raising attainment and achievement for all.
The experiences and opportunities which our schools provide are designed to help our pupils become confident individuals, successful learners, effective contributors and responsible citizens. We want our children to leave school, personally and socially adept, ready to face new challenges that lie ahead.
As West Lothian's young people develop many skills and talents, in and out of school, we are constantly looking for ways to recognise and acknowledge their wider achievements. West Lothian delivers a wide range of opportunities to celebrate success including the Young Writer of the Year competition, the Stellar Awards, and individual school celebrations. West Lothian regularly celebrates the attainment and achievements of our young people through our service magazine, Update.
Pupil Comments: 'Competing in regional and national swimming competitions was a fantastic experience and an unmissable opportunity! It made me feel that I can achieve more than I expected.' P7 pupil, Springfield Primary. 'When I found out I was a 'young writer' and invited to the ceremony I couldn't believe it! I was buzzing with excitement and I felt so proud of myself.' P7 pupil, Springfield Primary.
Information and Communications Technology (ICT)
West Lothian Council recognises that the effective use of ICT opens up unprecedented opportunities for invigorating learning and teaching in our schools and improving pupils' achievement across the whole curriculum.
With over 6,000 modern computers, hundreds of classrooms with multi-media projection and interactive whiteboards, our schools are well equipped with ICT to support learners and teachers. Our broadband network development ensures our pupils and teachers have access to online learning resources and digital curriculum content and our wireless laptop strategy ensures this can occur within the learning environment.
We support improvement to learning and teaching through ICT with dedicated CPD, technical and curricular support, and ICT ambassadors in schools who share skills, knowledge and mentor colleagues in incorporating ICT into their teaching. West Lothian Council is committed to developing the availability and integration of ICT to support educational objectives. We are committed to Anytime, Anywhere Learning where staff and pupil devices will be welcomed onto the West Lothian network. Teaching in West Lothian provides the opportunity to develop the use of ICT in your professional practice in a creative and supportive culture.
ICT to support learners
- In the learning environment
- Available when required
- Integrated into the curriculum
- In use in all of our schools
ICT to support creative teaching
- Engages pupils
- In the learning environment
- Available when required
- Integrated into the curriculum
- Time for teaching
Our enterprising culture
An enterprising approach is now part of everyday life in all our schools. Our aim is to provide young people with information and activities, which will encourage them to understand and apply their knowledge in later life.
Our school clusters hold yearly showcase events where staff and pupils have an opportunity to come together to highlight their work and share best practice.
A practical example of how we incorporate this in our secondary schools is highlighted in our gr8@cash pack which contains information booklets, interactive tasks, a CD and teachers? pack, and provides guidance on banking, saving, budgeting and credit. All of which reflect on the sorts of financial decisions and choices pupils may face in the future. In addition to providing contexts for numeracy within A Curriculum for Excellence, gr8@cash also promotes cross cutting themes such as Citizenship and Enterprise in Education.
