This article is from page 18 of the 2011-10-11 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 18 JPG
A NEW report has described the standard of teaching and learning at Cranny National School as being of a very high standard. The whole school evaluation by the Inspector for the Department of Education and Skills focused on the quality of teaching and learning in English, Irish, mathematics and drama.
Published last week, the report found that, “Throughout the school, very effective differentiation strategies are used. Accordingly, lessons are very well matched to pupils’ levels of ability.”
Apart from the high standard of teaching, the report states, “A positive atmosphere pervades the school.
“Pupils are very well behaved and they engage in all activities diligently and with enthusiasm.”
According to the report, “The classrooms are well-maintained and provide stimulating and supportive learning environments. An abundance of helpful materials relating to many aspects of the curriculum is displayed.”
The report also makes a number of recommendations. It states, “The Board of Management is advised to assume a more pro-active role in school self-evaluation and in overseeing the quality of teaching and learning in the school and the standards achieved by pupils.”
The Board was also advised to compile and distribute and annual report on the operation of the school “as a means of enhancing communication with the general parent body”.
The report also recommends greater emphasis on drama.
According to the report, “The Board of Management of the school was given an opportunity to com ment on the findings and recommendations of the report; the board chose to accept the report without response.”
Cranny National School currently caters for 26 pupils and has two mainstream class teachers.
At the time of the evaluation, there were no pupils enrolled in first class or in fourth class.
The report stated, “The principal provides dedicated leadership to the school.
“She is committed to instigating improvements in teaching and learning through the use of a range of appropriate approaches and initiatives in each class.”
It continued, “She ensures that the school is well-resourced and that organisational and curriculum plans are implemented consistently.”
The report states that pupils “approach their learning with diligence”.