School self –evaluation is about ensuring quality and improvement in the teaching and learning processes (Hoffman et al 2009).
All schools in Ireland are required to engage in a continuous school self-evaluation process. School self-evaluation (SSE) is a collaborative, inclusive, reflective process of internal school review. It is an evidence-based approach, which involves the gathering of information from a range of sources, and making judgements with a view to bringing about improvements in pupils’ learning.
When engaging in school self-evaluation the school reflects on its aims, considers criteria for success within the school’s context and ethos, and determines methods for judging the quality of educational provision in the school. School Self-Evaluation empowers a school community to identify and affirm good practice, and to identify and take actions on areas that merit improvement. School Self-Evaluation involves reflective enquiry leading to action planning for improvement that is informed by evidence gathered within the school.
Ballinkillen National School is committed to engaging with School Self-Evaluation and informing the school community of the improvements we are making within the school on an annual basis. As a school we look at what we are doing well and then focus on areas to further improve our practice.
School Self-Evaluation 2022-2024
In 2022, in line with the Department of Education and Skills’ publication ‘Looking at Our Schools: A Quality Framework for Primary Schools’, a school self-evaluation of teaching and learning was undertaken. 2022-2023 was a review year which involved gathering information from the stakeholders in our school. From June 2023 onwards, the staff has been engaged in setting targets for the next two years and our evaluation work continues. We identified Wellbeing as our SSE focus in our school as we believe this impacts the educational experiences and outcomes of our pupils as well as their motivation to learn, and their engagement in learning. We shall gather information from staff, parents and pupils about teaching and learning in the school (and the possible impact of the pandemic on learning). The information arising will be used to plan learning experiences, programmes of work, and, as needed, relevant supports to ensure that all pupils are enabled to flourish and to engage and progress effectively in their learning going forward.
In the past, as part of our School Self-Evaluation process, we reviewed:
Numeracy – Problem Solving – now incorporating problem solving in daily lessons either orally or written.
Literacy – Writing Genres – to be used and synchronised across the school
P.E. – Synchronising the Fundamental Movement Skills across the school using the Physical Literacy Move Well, Move Often programme
Literacy – Spellings – use of Spellings For Me programme (since reviewed)
Gaeilge – (Teanga ó Bhéal) - improving the spoken proficiency of our pupils in Gaeilge – béim ar Caint Neamhfhoirmiúil.