A Clare primary school has been highly praised for its quality of teaching and for its motivated and enthusiastic young pupils.
The Department of Education’s whole school evaluation of Scoil na Maighdine Mhuire in Newmarket-on-Fergus shows it is performing very strongly but has highlighted the need to improve pupils’ spoken Irish.
Scoil na Maighdine Mhuire in Newmarket on Fergus has 217 pupils enrolled, taught by eight teachers and four special education teachers.
The whole school inspection was carried out by the Department of Education on November 23rd last, when it was found overall to be an excellent facility.
Inspectors pointed to the quality of school leadership and management in particular, which they say has led to teachers collaborating well to devise the best learning opportunities for the children there.
The pupils’ achievements in English, Maths and Visual Arts were commended in particular, though when it came to Irish, a more lukewarm response was given.
It was found that there is a need to raise the quality of pupils’ speaking skills in Irish in some settings.
Inspectors recommended that work should now be focused on improving pupils’ levels of competence and oral language standards in Irish.
But, pupils were found to be motivated to learn, enjoying their learning and engaging in a range of activities with enthusiasm.
