Each year, we identify key priorities to support the continued development and improvement of our school. Our three priorities for the academic year 2026/27 reflect the next steps in our journey and focus on ensuring the best possible learning experiences and outcomes for all our children.
1. Develop a shared vision and framework for the Ballacottier curriculum.
Building on the continued development of teaching and learning across the school, the next stage is to critically reflect on our current curriculum offer and establish a clear, shared understanding of what we value for our learners. This year will focus on defining the foundations of the Ballacottier curriculum, considering the whole child and identifying what we want children to know, experience and be able to do by the time they leave our school. Through collaborative reflection, professional dialogue and engagement with our school community, we will identify the key attributes and principles that will underpin our curriculum and reflect our vision and values. This work will provide a clear and purposeful framework for future curriculum development, ensuring that our curriculum is coherent, ambitious and responsive to the needs of our learners.
2. Develop a consistent and effective approach to Assessment for Learning.
Effective Assessment for Learning (AfL) is central to responsive teaching and ensuring that learning meets the needs of all pupils. Building on existing practice, this priority will develop a shared understanding of effective AfL and provide opportunities to critically reflect on and evaluate current approaches across the school. Through professional learning, evidence-informed practice and collaborative dialogue, staff will agree the principles that underpin the Ballacottier approach to AfL and develop, trial and refine strategies in the classroom. A particular focus will be placed on strengthening teachers’ ability to identify where learners are in their learning and respond precisely to their needs. This will establish a more consistent and purposeful approach to AfL across the school, supporting high-quality teaching and improved outcomes for learners.
3. Develop strategic leadership at all levels.
Building on the work undertaken to strengthen distributed leadership and leadership capacity, the next stage is to deepen the strategic leadership skills of leaders at all levels. Validation identified the need for a more explicit focus on intended and evaluated impact, ensuring that leaders move beyond the implementation of actions to clearly identifying, monitoring and evaluating the difference their work makes. Senior leaders will develop these skills through leading key school improvement priorities, including Curriculum and Assessment for Learning, with a clear focus on intended impact, evidence gathering and responsive next steps. Leadership learning will be shared more widely through professional development, coaching and professional dialogue, further developing leadership capacity across the school. This priority will strengthen accountability, strategic thinking and evidence-informed improvement, resulting in demonstrable improvements in provision and outcomes for learners.