An Roinn Oideachais agus Eolaíochta

Department of Education and Science

 

Whole School Evaluation

REPORT  

 

Laragh National School

Stradone, County Cavan

Uimhir rolla: 18833A

 

Date of inspection:  3 May 2007

  Date of issue of report:  21 February 2008

 

 

Whole-school evaluation

1. Introduction – school context and background

2. Quality of school management

3. Quality of school planning

4. Quality of learning and teaching

5. Quality of support for pupils

6. Summary of findings and recommendations for further development

 

 

Whole-school evaluation

 

This report has been written following a whole-school evaluation of Laragh National School. It presents the findings of an evaluation of the work of the school as a whole and makes recommendations for the further development of the work of the school. During the evaluation, the inspector held pre-evaluation meetings with the principal, the teachers, the school’s board of management, and representatives of the parents’ association. The evaluation was conducted over a number of days during which the inspector visited classrooms and observed teaching and learning. She interacted with pupils and teachers, examined pupils’ work, and interacted with the class teachers. The inspector reviewed school planning documentation and teachers’ written preparation, and met with various staff teams, where appropriate. Following the evaluation visit, the inspector provided oral feedback on the outcomes of the evaluation to the staff and to the board of management. The board of management of the school was given an opportunity to comment on the findings and recommendations of the report; the board chose to accept the report without response.

 

 

1. Introduction – school context and background

 

Laragh NS is a seven-teacher school located in a rural area of Co. Cavan. All pupils attending the school live in its vicinity. The school is under the patronage of the Catholic Bishop of Kilmore. There are currently 129 pupils attending the school, and enrolments, which have been steady for the past number of years, are expected to be maintained at this general level for the foreseeable future. In recent years a small number of newcomer pupils have enrolled in the school, and their inclusion in the life of the school has contributed to the diversity of the school community.

 

In addition to the teaching principal there are four mainstream class teachers on the staff, together with a full-time learning support teacher and a part-time teacher who provides supplementary support to two pupils with special educational needs and English language support to three newcomer pupils. Two special needs assistants support pupils with special educational needs, while a part-time secretary facilitates the smooth running of the school. Light maintenance and general cleaning are carried out by a caretaker who works on a part-time daily basis.

 

The mission statement of the school commits the school authorities to the provision of a broad and balanced curriculum that is responsive to the needs of the individual child. The school aims to provide a caring, supportive environment in which each child can reach his/her maximum potential. Pupils’ attendance is good and every effort is made to improve the attendance of a small number of pupils who tend to be absent on a regular basis.

 

 

2. Quality of school management

 

2.1 Board of management

 

The board of management is properly constituted and meets regularly. It is reported that meetings are conducted in accordance with correct procedure as outlined in the constitution of boards of management. Minutes are maintained and a principal’s report and a very detailed treasurer’s report are furnished at each meeting. An ad-hoc sub-committee of the board deals with matters that relate to the school building and parent representatives on the board attend the parents’ association meetings. The chairperson meets with the principal regularly to discuss school matters and he is a frequent visitor to the school. There is evidence that school funds are very well managed. While members of the board have availed of training provided by the Catholic Primary School Managers’ Association (CPSMA) they would like training to be more focused on developing skills as opposed to providing information about the operation of the school system.

 

The board takes an active interest in developing the school plan and discusses school policies prior to their ratification. A range of policies has been developed to respond to legislative requirements. The board ensures that the school complies with Department of Education and Science regulations regarding class size, the length of the school day and the allocation of teaching duties. School records indicate that a small but significant number of pupils have been retained in the same grade level on various occasions over the past number of years. The board is advised to take account of the provisions of Circulars 32/03 (Retention of pupils in same grade in primary schools) and 11/01 (Retention of Pupils in Primary Schools) in this regard and to ensure that the parent body is aware of regulations relating to the retention of pupils. The enrolment policy of the school clearly articulates the principle of equality of access to, and participation in, the school and the full inclusion of a number of pupils with special educational needs attests to the integrity of the enrolment policy. A reference to the deferral of enrolment of pupils with special educational needs, pending the provision of additional resources is not in keeping with equality legislation. The board should now review the wording of the enrolment policy to ensure that it complies with current relevant legislation. The criteria used in offering places to pupils, should the school be over-subscribed, also require clarification.

 

A major concern for the board at the present time is the quality of accommodation in the school. Following the amalgamation of two one-teacher schools with Laragh NS in the early 1970s a prefabricated building, comprising three classrooms, was provided in 1974. Members of the board expressed their frustration at the lack of response to their continued efforts over recent years to get a permanent building. This issue they say is taking up an undue amount of time and effort on their part. The board is pro-active is securing funding from available grant programmes to enhance the quality of school accommodation. A plan is drawn up annually for renovation and improvement work in the school. The school is painted during the summer months and the minor works grant has been used to maintain the temporary classrooms. Funding from Clár, a community-based funding programme, has been used to extend and resurface the school playground and to provide a bus parking area adjacent to the school.

 

2.2 In-school management

 

There is clear evidence from interaction with members of the school community and from observing the work of the school that the principal, who has led the school for many years, has gained the respect of the school community. This is in no small measure due to the commitment he displays to providing a high quality education for pupils, and the openness with which he engages with members of the school community. School leadership is characterised by a shared sense of purpose among members of the school community and the creation of a positive learning climate in the school. Difficulty in getting suitable substitute cover results in the principal not availing of all the administrative days to which he is entitled. Consideration is being given to the formation of a local cluster of schools where a supply teacher might be sanctioned to cover for release days for principals.

 

In addition to the principal the in-school management team consists of a deputy principal and two special duties teachers. Following identification by the staff of the needs of the school, duties attaching to each post have been outlined and these are carried out effectively. Responsibilities undertaken by members of the in-school management team contribute significantly to the smooth running of the school. While formal meetings of the team do not take place, the close working relationship that exists in the school ensures that regular consultation and discussion between members of the team are features of its work. In general, duties comprise responsibility for organisational aspects of the school and for the pastoral care of pupils. As provided for in Circular 17/00 (Appointments to Posts of Responsibility) it is recommended that each member of the in-school management team be assigned a curriculum leadership role, and lead the development and review of specific aspects of the curriculum. Staff-meetings are held one a term at which aspects of the work of the school are discussed. The implementation of the school plan features on the agenda at all staff meetings. It is reported that decisions made in relation to school matters are arrived at following open and shared discussion among teachers.

 

2.3 Management of resources

 

Classes are divided equitably among mainstream teachers, with all classes ranging between twenty-three and twenty-nine pupils. Teachers are afforded a degree of mobility, within the context of a small school. The staff could reflect on the benefits to be derived from providing teachers with an opportunity to extend their teaching experience and thus enhance their contribution to whole-school planning. Teachers participate in a variety of continuing professional development courses. Training in information and communication technologies (ICT) and in the Reading Recovery Programme have been identified as areas for further professional development.

 

The acquisition and maintenance of resources is overseen effectively by a member of the in-school management team. A range of resources to support teaching and learning has been purchased though the use of grant aid from the Department and through funding from the board of management and the parents’ association, and resources are well maintained. All teachers prepare a range of visual resources that creates stimulating learning environments throughout the school. The range of ICT resources in the school includes a data projector, a digital camera and one PC and printer in every classroom. Limited use is currently made of these resources in most classes and consideration should now be given to developing an action plan to promote the regular use of ICT as a learning tool.

 

Classrooms are located in three sections of the school grounds, and it is necessary for pupils to go outdoors to access supplementary support. Four of the classrooms are small by modern standards, and only one classroom has en-suite toilet facilities. While a fine classroom is available for support teaching, the staff room, office and storage facilities are inadequate. The school building and grounds are very well maintained, particularly in view of the fact that constant repairs need to be carried out to the prefabricated classrooms which are over thirty years old. The school is cleaned on a daily basis.

 

2.4 Management of relationships and communication with the school community

 

Under the guidance of the principal good relationships between the school, the parent body and the board of management have been successfully developed over many years. The school has an active parents’ association and representatives from the association met with the inspector during the evaluation. They reported that they are in regular contact with the principal and that the attendance of parent representatives on the board of management at their meetings facilitates communication between both bodies. Parents are kept informed about the life of the school through notes from school and through notices in the parish bulletin. The major concern of the parent body at the present time is the inadequate accommodation at the school.

 

Parents report that they are very happy with the work of the school and believe that their children are getting a good quality education. Arrangements for consultations regarding their children’s progress are satisfactory, and in addition to formal parent teacher meetings that are held annually, parents feel welcome to come to the school to discuss any issues that arise. They stated that the principal and staff are very open and approachable and that they are always given an understanding hearing and that issues are dealt with promptly.

 

Parents assist the school through fund-raising, through organising the sale of second-hand books at the end of the school year and through organising book fairs, and they were instrumental in setting up class libraries in the school. Parents also assist with extra-curricular activities, particularly with providing transport to matches and coaching sports teams. They also organise school events at Christmas and on occasions of celebration that include First Holy Communion and Confirmation. Parents also assist with a range of maintenance tasks around the school.

 

2.5 Management of pupils

 

The culture of mutual respect that is evident in the school underpins the relationship between the staff and pupils. Teachers are committed to the general welfare and pastoral care of all pupils, and pupils co-operate willing in the life of the school. Pupil behaviour is managed effectively and clear procedures for dealing with breaches of discipline are set out in the code of behaviour, where the emphasis is on creating a positive learning environment in which children are safe and feel secure. Pupils in all classes are very well behaved and are welcoming and friendly.

 

 

3. Quality of school planning

 

3.1   School planning process and implementation

 

The leadership of the principal in fostering a collaborative approach to policy development is commendable. Considerable work has been done in developing a range of policies, both organisational and curricular to respond to the needs of the school and to take account of the requirements of legislation. In general, policies have been developed by the staff and presented for consideration to the parents’ association and the board of management prior to being ratified by the board. Dates have been set for the review of most policies. Members of the parents’ association report that they have been consulted and have had an input into some policies, notably policies that relate to homework, enrolment, the code of discipline and relationships and sexuality education (RSE). Some plans are included in a booklet given to parents as pupils are enrolled.

 

Curricular plans are realistic and provide a suitable basis on which to develop individual teachers’ plans. In undertaking a review of curricular policies teachers should reflect on current practices in all classes and identify effective strategies that can be used on a whole-school basis. An action planning model should form the basis for a review and it is recommended that a named teacher with a post of responsibility leads the review in each area of the curriculum as it is undertaken.

 

Evidence was provided to confirm that the board of management and staff have taken appropriate steps to develop policies in line with the provisions in Children First: National Guidelines for the Protection and Welfare of Children (Department of Health and Children, 1999, updated issue May 2004) and Child Protection Guidelines for Primary Schools (Department of Education and Science, April 2001). Evidence was also provided to confirm that the board of management has adopted and implemented the policies. A designated liaison person (DLP) and a deputy DLP have been appointed in line with the requirements of the Departmental guidelines.

 

3.2   Classroom planning

 

All teachers provide written preparation for their work and the inclusion of learning objectives in some plans is commendable. Consideration should be given to devising a whole-school approach to teachers’ planning where the expected learning outcomes for various groups of pupils in aspects of the curriculum are clarified. Teachers’ plans provide for a broad and balanced programme in all areas of the curriculum. Teachers maintain a record of content as it is taught and record activities in which pupils have engaged. These records are passed on with the class at the end of the school year to support continuity and progression in teaching and learning.

 

 

4. Quality of learning and teaching

 

4.1               Overview of learning and teaching

 

A positive learning climate is in evidence throughout the school. Attractive visual displays and samples of pupils’ work create a stimulating learning environment. Lessons are well structured and presented in a lively manner. Effective stimuli are used to promote the active participation of all pupils. Significant emphasis is placed on learning through discovery in various aspects of the curriculum and good use is made of project work to develop pupils’ collaborative learning and research skills.

 

A wide range of suitable resources is used to support learning and teaching. To enhance pupils’ learning experiences extended use of the ICT resources available in the school is advised. Whole-class teaching, group work and pair work are used in the delivery of the curriculum. Further emphasis on independent learning in group activities is advised in order to provide challenging learning experiences for all pupils. Pupils display a commitment to their work and they undertake tasks with enthusiasm. Overall pupils are making good progress across all areas of the curriculum. Pupils are provided with opportunities to participate in a range of local competitions that include art, writing, poetry and quizzes. Participation in the MS Readathon promotes reading for pleasure.

 

Some teachers share responsibility for the delivery of aspects of the curriculum. This practice could be further extended, to enable pupils to benefit from the specific skills of individual teachers. As recommended in the Learning Support Guidelines in-class provision for pupils availing of supplementary support has been introduced at some class levels. The staff should now reflect on the models of delivery that best suit the needs of individual pupils.

 

4.2 Language

 

Gaeilge

Tugtar faoi theagasc na Gaeilge le dúthracht agus músclaítear suim na ndaltaí i bhfoghlaim na teanga. Baintear úsáid as an nGaeilge mar theanga theagaisc agus mar theanga bhainisteoireachta ranga agus scoile, rud a chruthaíonn suíomh réalaíoch don teanga agus a thugann deiseanna do na daltaí fuaimeanna agud struchtúir na teanga a inmheanú. Léiríonn daltaí tríd an scoil tuiscint an-bhreá ar an teanga a chloiseann siad. Múintear cnuasach oiriúnach filíochta agus aithrisíonn na daltaí dánta le dea-fhoghraíocht. B’fhiú áit níos lárnaí a thabhairt don scéalaíocht ag gach leibhéal ranga, chun deiseanna a thabhairt do dhaltaí saibhreas teanga a bhlaiseadh.

 

Le linn na ngníomhaíochta labhartha éiríonn leis na daltaí abairtí simplí a chruthú agus ceisteanna a chur agus a fhreagairt, bunaithe ar an teanga atá foghlamtha acu. Is inmholta mar a leagtar béim ó na luath bhlianta ar úsáid na mbriathar agus ar chaint leanúnach a chothú. Baintear úsáid thairbheach as an dramaíocht agus as obair i bpéirí chun taithí cumarsáide a thabhairt do dhaltaí. Leagtar an-bhéim ar struchtúir na teanga a theagasc ag gach rang leibhéal agus tá tuiscint an-bhreá ag daltaí ar chomhréir na teanga agus ar an ngramadach faoi mar a oireann dá n-aoiseanna. Le forbairt bhreise a dhéanamh ar chumas labhartha na ndaltaí b’fhiú i roinnt ranganna breis deiseanna a chur ar fáil do dhaltaí an teanga a chruthú agus a úsáid i ngníomhaíochtaí cumarsáide, ar nós scéalta leanúnacha a chumadh, nuacht a insint agus cluichí cainte a imirt.

 

Léann na daltaí le líofacht bhreá agus le cruinneas inmholta agus tá ar a gcumas ábhar an téacs a phlé go horiúnach. B’fhiú deiseanna a thabhairt do dhaltaí fíorleabhair a léamh le linn na gceachtanna. Déantar cúram breá de scileanna na scríbhneoireachta a chothú. Cleachtann na daltaí réimse gníomhaíochtaí scríbhneoireachta feidhmiúla agus spreagtar iad le scéalta agus nuacht a scríobh le scafláil ón oide.

 

Irish

The teaching of Irish is undertaken with diligence and pupils’ interest in learning the language is cultivated. The use of Irish as a medium of instruction and as the language of classroom and school management provides opportunities for pupils to internalise the sounds and structures of the language and to experience its use in a real life setting. Pupils throughout the school display a good understanding of the language they hear. A suitable selection of poetry is taught and pupils recite poems with good pronunciation. To further extend pupils’ exposure to a richness of language, story-telling at all class levels could be afforded a more central place in lessons.

 

During speaking activities pupils succeed in creating simple sentences and in composing and answering questions based on the language they have learned. The emphasis on fostering fluency in speech and on the use of verbs from an early age is commendable. Good use is made of drama and of pair work to provide communicative opportunities for pupils. Significant emphasis is placed in all classes on teaching the structures of the language, and pupils have a very good, age-appropriate understanding of language syntax and grammar. To develop pupils’ speaking skills, pupils in some classes would benefit from further opportunities to create language during communicative activities, which could include composing stories, telling news and playing language games.

 

Pupils read with good fluency and accuracy of pronunciation and they display a suitable ability to discuss the text. Reading experiences could be extended through the use of ‘real books’ in addition to textbooks. Good attention is paid to developing writing skills. In addition to engaging in a variety of functional writing activities pupils are motivated to write personal stories and news with suitable scaffolding by teachers.  

 

English

Pupils’ oral language skills, both receptive and expressive, are well developed during a range of talk and discussion activities across the curriculum, and during discrete oral language lessons. Pupils listen respectfully and attentively to the opinions of others and express their own views with confidence and clarity in an age-appropriate manner. Poetry is used as a stimulus for developing pupils’ emotional response to language and their cognitive abilities through language.

 

Early reading skills are well taught in junior classes, and most pupils display good phonological and phonemic awareness and a good sight vocabulary. Further use of continuous text in the classroom environment would assist in the development of early reading skills. Attractive class libraries promote reading for pleasure and in some classrooms regularly updated print environments, that include newspaper articles, relate reading to real life experiences. Pupils throughout the school read with fluency and understanding and class readers are supplemented by novels from second class upwards to further develop pupils’ reading skills. In general whole-class teaching is used during reading activities. Further use of group work would enhance pupils’ independent learning skills and facilitate the close matching of reading material and tasks associated with the text to individual pupils’ abilities.

 

Handwriting skills are very well developed from an early age and the quality of pupils’ handwriting in general is of a very good standard. Pupils throughout the school engage in an extensive range of functional writing tasks that cultivate good spelling and punctuation and an understanding of writing conventions and grammar. Pupils write in a variety of genres and there is evidence of the use of the writing process to develop pupils’ writing skills. Good use of visual resources as a stimulus for writing character profiles was observed. Some fine examples of pupils’ creative writing were noted in their copybooks. To further develop pupils’ creativity and independence in writing at all class levels, personal writing tasks should be a more regular feature of the English lessons.

 

4.3 Mathematics

 

The quality of teaching and learning in Mathematics is very good. An appropriate balance is achieved between the various strands of the curriculum. Significant attention is paid to talk and discussion when introducing new concepts and mathematical terminology is taught in context. In general, effective use is made of activity learning methods to develop pupils’ conceptual understanding. Pupils throughout the school display a very good understanding of mathematical concepts and an ability to apply this understanding to solving a wide range of problems across all strands of the curriculum. Written work is very neatly and accurately recorded and work is very well monitored. Whole-class teaching is generally used during lessons. To further enhance the quality of pupils’ learning greater use should be made of group work where pupils would engage in differentiated learning activities that would be challenging to pupils at all levels of ability.

 

4.4 Social, Environmental and Scientific Education

 

History

A wide range of historical themes and topics is explored at each class level. Story is used to good effect to promote an interest in past times and to develop a sense of time, sequence and chronology. During lessons observed pupils recalled with a good level of accuracy what they had previously learned. Skills in working as a historian are developed through using evidence to understand the lives of historical figures. The use of project work to enhance pupils’ participation and promote their interest is commendable. Field trips are organised to develop pupils’ awareness of how historical events impacted on their locality.

 

Geography

Evidence from teachers’ planning indicates that all strands of the geography curriculum are covered in all classes. Pupils display a good knowledge of the physical features of countries they have studied and good use is made of maps to develop their sense of place. Maps of the locality and of other parts of the world feature in displays throughout the school. Project work is well used to develop pupils’ understanding of the social and physical geography of countries.

 

Science

Lessons observed in Science were well structured and through discovery pupils developed an understanding of magnetism and electricity. Commendable emphasis was placed on linking pupils’ learning with real life experiences. Scientific skills were developed during well-designed lessons. Teachers’ planning indicates that a broad and balanced programme in Science is taught at all class levels. As part of the Green Flag project, plans are currently being drawn up to develop a school garden where pupils will have opportunities to plant flowers and vegetables and develop their understanding of the natural environment.

 

4.5 Arts Education

 

Visual Arts

Pupils’ artwork is celebrated through display and it is evident from samples of their work throughout the school that they have engaged in activities across all the strands of the curriculum. During art-making activities that were observed, pupils’ creativity was fostered as they worked with clay and learning was linked with other aspects of the curriculum.

 

Music

The school plan provides for a broad and balanced music programme throughout the school and evidence from teachers’ own work plans indicate that the school plan is being implemented. Good questioning techniques are used during listening and responding activities to develop pupils’ response to excerpts of music. In general, pupils sing with clear diction, good tone and in a suitable pitch. Further development of listening skills would enhance the quality of singing at some class levels. Opportunities are provided for pupils to share and celebrate their musical abilities through participation in the school choir at parish events.

 

Drama

Story is used to good effect as a stimulus for making drama. Pupils are encouraged to act out aspects of the story and to create still images. Empathy with characters is fostered effectively during drama activities. Drama is used as a teaching methodology in other lessons, notably Gaeilge. Teachers availed of in-service training during the present school year to support them in implementing the drama curriculum. During the previous school year a drama tutor was employed for an eight week term to provide drama activities to pupils for one hour a week. The commendable practice of bringing pupils to live theatrical performances in local theatres and in the National Concert Hall enhances pupils’ experiences of drama.

 

4.6 Physical Education (PE)

 

Significant attention is paid in this school to fostering pupils’ physical development. During a lesson observed, pupils participated fully and enthusiastically in a range of suitable activities, with a commendable emphasis on the development of ball skills. All strands of the curriculum are taught and effective use is made of discretionary school time to facilitate pupils in receiving aquatics education over an eight week time block. A good range of resources supports the delivery of lessons. While the school does not have an indoor PE facility, a local hall close to the school is available during inclement weather. A suitable hard-court area in the school provides a facility for games. Teams from the school compete with much success in local and county leagues in football and camogie. An annual sports day, previously organised by the community, is now organised by the school with considerable support from the broader school community.

  

4.7 Social, Personal and Health Education (SPHE)

 

The open, friendly atmosphere in the school creates a very suitable climate for the development of pupils’ social and personal skills. Pupils are affirmed and their efforts are lauded and celebrated. Much of the development of personal skills takes place during activities across the curriculum. During discrete SPHE lessons, the Walk Tall and the relationships and sexuality education (RSE) programmes are used to develop pupils’ personal skills. Parents are kept informed of the content of the RSE programme and have the option of withdrawing their child from specific lessons if they so wish. Opportunities to raise pupils’ awareness of people in need are exploited through initiatives that include the Blue Peter Shoe Appeal and the collection of unused toys for the local hospital.

 

4.8 Assessment

 

Pupils’ learning and engagement in tasks is monitored through teacher observation and at some class levels the outcome of observation is recorded. Teacher-devised tests are a regular feature of the assessment undertaken throughout the school. A range of standardised tests are carried out to determine pupils’ attainments in literacy and numeracy. Tests include Micra T, Sigma T, the Young Group Test and the Middle Infant Screening Test (MIST). To ensure that assessment informs teachers’ planning, consideration should be given to recording the outcome of teacher observation in all classes and to using this information, together with the outcome of tests to modify learning programmes and to differentiate tasks according to pupils’ abilities.

 

 

5. Quality of support for pupils

 

5.1 Pupils with special educational needs

 

A learning support policy has been drawn up to inform the approach to supporting pupils with learning needs. Priority is given to supporting pupils in junior classes and criteria for the selection of pupils and the discontinuation of support are outlined. A full-time learning support teacher and a part-time resource teacher provide supplementary tuition to pupils with learning difficulties and special educational needs. While much of the tuition is provided to pupils on a withdrawal basis, the recent introduction of team-teaching with some mainstream teachers is commendable. A range of diagnostic tests is used to identify specific learning needs. Tuition is provided for pupils in the areas of literacy and numeracy and in the development of a range of social skills.

 

Individual profile and learning programmes are prepared for all pupils attending learning support, while individual education plans (IEPs) are prepared for pupils with special educational needs. Suitable learning targets are outlined and plans are reviewed on a regular basis. Records of work undertaken and of pupils’ progress are maintained on a weekly basis. Interactions between special education teachers and pupils are purposeful and positive. To further develop independent learning skills and to allow additional focus on individual pupils’ specific learning needs, pupils withdrawn in groups could be given discrete tasks which would include the use of ICT as a learning tool.

 

5.2 Other supports for pupils: disadvantaged, minority and other groups

 

The inclusive and caring climate in the school ensures that the dignity of each child is respected and that all pupils participate fully in the life of the school. Support to individual pupils in need is given sensitively and discreetly. A small number of newcomer pupils who have enrolled in the school during the past two years are given supplementary support in English. Support is provided on an individual basis. Considerable attention is paid to planning learning programmes that meet the pupils’ needs. While much valuable work is done in extending pupils’ vocabulary and developing their understanding of the structure of the English language, further emphasis on talk and discussion as core elements in all lessons is advised.

 

 

6. Summary of findings and recommendations for further development

 

The following are the main strengths identified in the evaluation:

 

·         The leadership given by the principal over many years has led to the development of a shared sense of purpose among all members of the school community, and the support given by the board of management and the parent body enables the smooth functioning of the school.

 

·         The staff has succeeded in creating a positive and very pleasant learning environment in the school, and pupils participate actively in the broad and balanced curriculum that is delivered by teachers with enthusiasm and commitment.

 

·         High standards are achieved by pupils throughout the school in Mathematics and Gaeilge and a healthy lifestyle is promoted with suitable emphasis on developing pupils’ sporting abilities.

 

·         The inclusive ethos in the school supports the participation of pupils from minority groups and children with special educational needs in all aspects of the life of the school.

 

·         Teachers regularly assess pupils’ learning outcomes and pay particular attention to monitoring pupils’ work.

 

 

As a means of building on these strengths and to address areas for development, the following key recommendations are made:

 

·         Classroom planning should provide for further use of group work with differentiated tasks that match pupils’ levels of ability.

 

·         A review of duties attaching to posts of responsibility should focus on assigning responsibility for curriculum leadership to each post-holder.

 

·         From an early age pupils should be given regular opportunities to engage in personal writing activities in English in a variety of genres.

 

·         The enrolment policy should be reviewed to ensure that the criteria for allocating school places are clear, and that the provisions of equality legislation are complied with in relation to the enrolment of pupils with special educational needs.

 

 

Post-evaluation meetings were held with the staff and board of management where the draft findings and recommendations of the evaluation were presented and discussed.