Sterling Report for Silvermines N.S.
SILVERMINES National School has “diligent and resourceful” teachers, well behaved pupils, and very satisfied parents, according to a recent Whole School Evaluation (WSE) carried out by a Department of Education Inspector.
In January and February, an Inspector carried out a WSE of the primary school, in line with national requirements. The report was published recently, and focused on the quality of teaching and learning in English, Irish, Mathematics and Visual Arts.
Silvermines NS is a mainstream co-educational primary school which is situated in a rural environment near Nenagh. The school is under the patronage of the Catholic Bishop of Killaloe. There are 72 pupils on roll and enrolment levels are stable. “Attendance rates are generally good,” states the Inspector. The school is currently located in temporary accommodation adjacent to a state-of-the-art new school building which is almost complete.
The following are the main strengths of the work of the school: “The Principal plays a pivotal role in ensuring that a climate and culture are promoted in the school which are conducive to high standards of teaching and learning. Overall very good standards are achieved by pupils in the curriculum areas evaluated. The teachers are diligent and resourceful and implement a good range of methodologies. The pupils are well managed and their behaviour is of a very high order. Consistent and wholehearted support is provided to the school by the board of management and parents. Analysis of questionnaires indicates very high levels of satisfaction among parents with overall provision in the school.”
The following main recommendations are made: “To enhance the school’s processes for reviewing progress, planning for improvement and evaluating outcomes, it is recommended that the teachers prioritise engagement with the Department of Education and Skills draft guidelines on school self-evaluation. A review of support provision for pupils is recommended to ensure compliance with the Department’s Learning-Support Guidelines. This review should explore the possibility of providing in-class support, particularly for older pupils on the current caseload.”
Additionally, the Inspector noted that the “overall quality of support provided for pupils with special educational needs is good with some very good practice in evidence. The teachers relate to pupils in a caring and supportive manner and make worthwhile efforts to provide learning experiences that meet the specific needs of the pupils.”
Commenting on the report, the school responded: “Since our WSE we have moved into our new school. We look forward to many happy years of teaching and learning in the new premises.” Full report at education.ie
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