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4.5 Lochgelly High School and Lochgelly North (Special) School
Fife Education Authority, Fife

Sharing and Developing our Schools
Lochgelly High School and Lochgelly North (Special) School

Over the past five years, 2 local authority schools in west Fife - Lochgelly North and Lochgelly High - have been involved in a process of mutual support and collaboration to the benefit of students, parents and staff.

Lochgelly North is a small free-standing school for students with severe/complex learning difficulties. Lochgelly High is a comprehensive Community-Use school with a Department of Special Education for students with moderate/complex learning difficulties.

Pupils from Lochgelly North have been enjoying regular opportunities to be included in DSE classes, accessing the mainstream specialist subject teachers. Over the years the relationship between the two schools has developed and today Lochgelly North pupils have access, where appropriate, to Home Economics, DET, Art and Design, Music, PE, Science, Drama, Computing and core skills delivered in the DSE, including Higher Still Access 2 units.

The strengths of this partnership have been-

• an openness and trust between the staff from both schools
• careful planning and support to pupils and staff
• ongoing monitoring and review
• active consultation with and support from parents
• the enthusiasm and enjoyment of Lochgelly North students
• the positive attitude of DSE Students.

As well as the successful integration links which have been established for Lochgelly North students, a reciprocal arrangement has been set up for DSE pupils. Lochgelly North provides an environment for the senior DSE students Community Placement programme.

Staff in both schools now share responsibility to provide the best for their students, embracing both academic progress and personal development in an environment which suits their needs.