School Self-Evaluation Report

Evaluation period: 2013-2014

Introduction

– The focus of the evaluation

A school self-evaluation of teaching and learning in St Mel’s College was undertaken during the period August 2013 to June 2014. During the evaluation, teaching and learning in the following curriculum areas were evaluated:

Literacy
Numeracy: (2014/15)
Other curriculum area(s) Teaching strategies in the classroom (2015/16)

This is a report on the findings of the evaluation.

School context

Introduction

St. Mel’s College, Longford is a Roman Catholic Voluntary secondary school for male students only, under the trusteeship of the Bishop of Ardagh and Clonmacnoise. St. Mel’s college, while was previously a boarding school now caters for day pupils only from Longford town and surrounding areas. It is situated beside St. Mel’s Cathedral in Longford town. The school is managed by a Board of Management consisting of eight members, four nominated by the trustee, two elected by parents and two elected by the teaching staff. The Principal, while not a member, acts as secretary to the Board. St. Mel’s College supports and subscribes to the principles of inclusiveness, accountability, partnership, transparency, respect for diversity, parental choice and equality and is committed to the successful implementation of relevant education legislation, in particular the Education Act (1998), The Education Welfare Act (2000) and the Equal Status Act (2000). The school is grant aided by the Department of Education and Skills, which includes teacher resources. In the school year 2013/14 St Mel’s College had 425 students and 27 full time teachers.

Mission Statement

St. Mel’s College is a Catholic diocesan secondary school under the patronage of the Bishop of Ardagh and Clonmacnoise, that is committed to providing an education for male students which, in co-operation with parents:

promotes the spiritual, moral, social and personal development of our male students;
strives for academic and sporting excellence in keeping with our inherited traditions,
fosters an inclusive, caring, Christian Community based on Gospel values,
where each person can expect to be treated with courtesy, respect, and dignity,
nurtures and guides our students in developing their potential and in becoming responsible adults.

Whole School Approach to Literacy

In St. Mel’s College, a Whole-School Literacy is seen as an essential part of the teaching and learning process. We recognise the importance of literacy in the school environment, to life within wider society and to the personal growth of individuals. We are committed to the development of a whole-school approach to literacy and recognise the need for a multi-stranded approach. We are committed to using a whole-school approach to literacy to improve learning and raise standards.

– The Findings

Indicate the quality of practice in relation to the aspects of teaching and learning evaluated with reference to the sub-themes below where relevant.

Literacy

Progress made on previously-identified improvement targets

There is an improvement in the standard of written work presented by students for correction
There is an increase in the use of ICT throughout the school to promote literacy
The school has seen an increase in posters and print rich material in public areas
There is a well-stocked library with easy access for all students to books, written materials and computers.
There are Word-Walls in many classrooms displaying keywords for each topic

– Summary of school self-evaluation findings

Our school has strengths in the following areas:

The introduction of the School Library has been very successful in promoting reading within the school, the library is a safe, bright, welcoming place that students can come to at lunchtime to read, play board games or do research on the computer
The school has a wide and appropriate range of ICT resources for all class groupings
There is a well organised Resource and Learning Support Department within the school

The following areas are prioritised for improvement:

(Specify the aspects of teaching and learning that need to be improved)

Improvement in comprehension, note-taking and spelling among student cohort (Word-Walls in every classroom displaying keywords for each topic)
Increase the number of students reading for enjoyment outside school (Drop Everything and Read)
Improve the standard of written work presented by students for correction (Common writing/ correction scheme)
Track the development of students’ literacy skills over school career (CAT Test in 1st year)
St Mel’s College Literacy Strategy was published in March 2013