This article is from page 17 of the 2011-05-24 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 17 JPG
TEACHING AT three of Clare’s second level schools has been praised by the Department of Education and Skills. The department has made positive remarks after carrying out inspections at St Flannan’s College, Ennis; Ennistymon Vocational School and St John Bosco Community College, Cahercon, Kildysart.
Subject inspections were carried out at all three schools. Geography was the chosen subject at St Flannan’s; Construction Studies was inspected in Ennistymon, while Guidance was inspected at Cahercon.
According to the report, teaching and learning in Geography was “very good” at St Flannan’s. It stated that the integration of information and communication technology (ICT) into teaching and learning had a very positive impact on students’ learning.
The uptake of Geography in senior cycle was strong, while the achievement by students in examinations was described as “very good”. The inspectors encouraged the school to build on its “very good practice” by introducing assessment-for-learning strategies into lessons. It also suggested that the Transition Year plan for Geography be further developed.
The teaching of Guidance at St John Bosco Community College was also praised by the inspectors. They concluded that students are well supported and that Guidance is perceived appropriately in the school.
According to the report, the facilities for the subject are good, while the Guidance department has engaged with the community and with parents. The inspectors have made a number of recommendations including that a whole-school guidance planning team be established.
The teaching of Construction Studies at Ennistymon Vocational School was also praised by the inspectors. They noted that support for the subject is “very good with regard to the supply of resources such as tools, equipment and materials”. It also noted that provision for students to study Construction in the school is very good.
“The quality of teaching and learning observed in the course of the inspection was at all times very high. The voice of the students formed a central part of the lessons,” stated the report.
In total, 44 school inspection reports were published by the Department last week. Subject inspection reports evaluate the teaching and learning of specific subjects in second-level schools.