West Lothian Council delivers

West Lothian has invested more than £130 million in schools

 

West Lothian has invested more than £130 million in schools over recent years.  In August 2009 two new secondary schools - Armadale Academy and Deans Community High School will open.  In addition a period of sustained investment and extensive refurbishments in our school buildings and new primary schools in Linlithgow, Bridgend, Livingston and Bathgate has ensured that West Lothian's schools are fit for purpose.

Primary and pre-school: We have embraced the Curriculum for Excellence (CfE) and we will support you with its implementation. For you the CfE means pupils who are engaged, active and enjoying learning. There is more choice and personalisation and greater emphasis on skills for learning, work and life. You will find lots of opportunities in West Lothian. With a growing population we are planning for the future with plans for new primary and secondary schools to meet demand. You will be supported through continuous professional development and training throughout your career.

Elizabeth Wells recently joined West Lothian Council as Head Teacher at Knightsbridge Primary School.  Elizabeth said: "I have been very impressed with the quality of service since coming to West Lothian and the aspirations of all to continue to improve.  The council is committed to developing leaders and there are opportunities for all teachers to develop leadership skills.  The ICT strategy has impacted significantly in the classroom, enhancing learning throughout the curriculum and an ethos of collegiate working is evident at a school, cluster and authority level." 

Secondary schools: All of our secondary schools have the latest technology to support you in your role. We have embraced the Curriculum for Excellence (CfE) and we will support you with its implementation. For you the CfE means pupils who are engaged, active and enjoying learning. There is more choice and personalisation and greater emphasis on skills for learning, work and life.   All secondary schools have their own swimming pools and all-weather pitches in place, or in the process of being installed.

Head Teacher of Broxburn Academy, Peter Reid, joined the West Lothian team in 2007.  "Where do I start?" says Peter.  "My experience has been that leaders are valued and empowered.  Local issues can be addressed because within a supportive collegiate framework there is ample space for Heads and leadership teams to provide the support for staff and pupils that reflect the concerns of the community.  Strong cluster relationships and partnership working means that transitions are strong and comfortable for pupils and parents.  Local Assessment for Learning strategies cross sector boundaries and initiatives like summer camps for primary seven pupils where primary and secondary staff work with senior pupils from the secondary school to support pupils as they move to secondary are proving very effective."

West Lothian is committed to meeting the needs of all pupils. We have embraced the Curriculum for Excellence (CfE) and we will support you with its implementation. For you the CfE means pupils who are engaged, active and enjoying learning. There is more choice and personalisation and greater emphasis on skills for learning, work and life.

Special schools: Our aim is to enhance, facilitate and enable our children and young people to realise their full potential in all areas of their life. This is achieved through the Continuum of Support strategy, and a mix of support within schools, outreach services, special schools and parents.

Special units have been established to meet the needs of autistic children and those with speech and language needs. Decision-making and resources are devolved to a local level through our cluster resource groups to ensure that resources can be used as effectively as possible to support children with additional needs.

Kenny Shade and David Banks both recently joined West Lothian Council in the special education sector and are enjoying the experience.  David explains: It's a great environment to work in. All staff (teaching and non-teaching) are very supportive of each other and there is always a willing ear to listen to you. CPD opportunities are excellent with professionals at the forefront of their chosen field delivering courses."   Agreeing Kenny commented: "There's a great relationship between staff and pupils. Requests to extend your knowledge through additional courses are actively encouraged. Our interest is in autism and we are delighted that West Lothian is making significant investment to enhance this provision."

Maria Murray, Principal Teacher Autism Services joined the council in 2006: "West Lothian Council offers excellent opportunities for Continuous Professional Development such as joint multi-agency working and networking opportunities within and out with the council."