Dundonald High School

Overview

This follow-up inspection confirms that Dundonald High School is “living out its vision of being a caring school at the heart of the community.” The report highlights that “effective staff professional learning and consistent learning and teaching approaches have resulted in improvements in the provision,” particularly regarding pupil learning experiences. However, significant challenges remain regarding attendance and infrastructure.

Strengths

• The “whole-school four-stage lesson structure is implemented well,” leading to a “positive impact on the pupils’ learning.”
• Staff professional learning is prioritised, notably through “TPL Tuesdays,” which supports the development of teachers.
• Provision for English has “improved further,” with teachers working “purposefully and patiently” to develop pupils’ analytical language.
• The mathematics department provides an “effective structured approach” at Key Stage 3 and well-designed interventions at Key Stage 4.
• Recent improvements for pupils with special educational needs include “personalised learning plans” and “pupil profiles,” with “early indications that the pupils are making progress.”

Areas to improve

• The school must “improve pupil and staff attendance,” as pupil attendance at 81% “continues to be an area of concern.”
• Middle leadership capacity needs to be developed further to “monitor progress and outcomes of all pupils, including those in the MLD classes.”
• Health and safety issues require urgent attention, including “no heat” in some areas, leaking roofs, and closed toilet blocks.

Safeguarding

The report states that “arrangements for child protection align to the current statutory guidance” and pupils “feel safe in school,” though governor training must be completed.