Senior school pupils in Argyll and Bute are being helped to reach their potential and make the very best of the learning opportunities available to them.

The introduction of the Scottish Government’s Insight benchmarking framework is supporting each pupil’s development of the knowledge and skills which will equip them as they move through school and on into further education, training and employment.

Argyll and Bute Council’s Policy Lead for Education and Lifelong Learning, Councillor Rory Colville, said, “The council, the education service and schools are committed to continuing to improve the prospects of pupils as they progress through school and eventually move on to contribute to the strengthening and development of our communities.

“We are focusing on numeracy and literacy, widening the range of available educational awards and courses, and providing opportunities for school leavers through partnership working with colleges and employers.

“The value of Insight is that it encourages self-evaluation by schools which allows the tracking of all pupils including those who may be vulnerable, for example those living in areas of recognised deprivation or those young people who are looked after.”

During 2014, head teachers, depute head teachers and school delegates attended a series of training events, and councillors attended a seminar, all of which prepared for the introduction of Insight in September 2014. Further training is planned for June 2015.

Schools are continuing to use Insight as part of their self-evaluation and all have identified an in-school Insight leader.

Insight provides a range of information on pupil progress including four key areas: literacy and numeracy, their plans on leaving school (going into further or higher education, training, employment or voluntary work), improving attainment for all pupils, and improving the attainment in pupils who live in the most deprived areas.