scoil mochua school self evaluation
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What is School Self Evaluation?
School Self Evaluation (SSE) is an ongoing process in Scoil Mochua. We are continually striving to improve our practices so that our pupils have the best possible educational experience while they are in primary school. Every few years, as a staff, we identify a focus for our school self-evaluation, and we spend several years on this area until the improvements are embedded in our practice and the benefits are evident for our pupils. What curricular area is Scoil Mochua working on at the moment? We are currently working on two areas under the structure of SSE:
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SSE in Digital Learning
STEP 4: Write and share report and improvement plan
The following are the main points of the Scoil Mochua improvement plan. Scoil Mochua aims to integrate digital technologies across the curriculum in meaningful, engaging and creative ways in teaching, learning and assessment practices.
The following is our vision:
Focus: Pupils use digital technologies effectively to develop their knowledge, skills and understanding in accordance with the content objectives, learning outcomes, skills and concepts of the Primary School Curriculum.
Target:
The following is our vision:
- Our pupils will competently use technology to deepen their understanding and expand their learning in a collaborative safe environment.
- Our teachers will confidently integrate digital technology across all subject areas to enhance learning for all students.
- Our school leadership will support digital learning through investment in infrastructure, resources, and provision of CPD.
- Our parents will support digital learning in school by encouraging children to engage effectively with technology and monitor usage to ensure online safety.
Focus: Pupils use digital technologies effectively to develop their knowledge, skills and understanding in accordance with the content objectives, learning outcomes, skills and concepts of the Primary School Curriculum.
Target:
- Pupils will use Digital Technologies tools such as Chatterpix and improve learning outcomes in Teanga ó Bhéal (all classes).
- Pupils will use Digital Technologies tools such as Khan Kids to improve learning outcomes in literacy (Junior Infants-2nd Class).
- Pupils will use reliable sources of information when creating content for language and literacy.
- Pupils will use reliable sources of information to create and present a presentation on Google Slides through the use of Google Classroom. (5th/6th)
Step 3: Analyse and make judgements
The main themes and messages arising from the evidence gathered from teachers, pupils and parents was analysed and reflected on. The schools strengths, aspects to be developed further and actions required were identified for the school improvement plan for the next step of the SSE process.
The following are some of the themes identified:
- Parents: Internet safety and responsible engagement, technical skills (typing, creating powerpoints, navigating the internet), research skills, coding, enhancing curricular content (literacy, Gaeilge, history, geography, science, creative elements), accessibility for all children (especially children with additional learning needs).
We have created a Frequently Asked Questions to respond to some parental queries.
Why is digital learning important?
“The need for digital skills is ever present in our daily lives. To answer this need, it is vital that our education system supports all of our learners – children, young people and beyond – to gain the knowledge and skills they need in the modern world and to ensure that they have a positive experience of learning with technology. This Strategy aims to ensure this happens effectively for all learners.
Learners are central to this Strategy. No one should be left behind and it is critical that all learners are provided with meaningful opportunities to benefit from new technologies to support their education in an environment that supports and delivers modern teaching practices. By combining excellence in teaching practices with technology we can equip our students and young people with the key digital skills required to enhance and enrich their pathway through life.” Norma Foley TD, Minister for Education
“Digital skills are key to young learners’ future transition to Further and Higher education and into the world of work. They must be afforded the opportunities to acquire those skills as part of their foundational education. Essential to this aspiration is the need for young learners to learn how to make the most of the opportunities available from the use of digital technology in their learning but also to navigate the internet safely.” Bernie McNally, Secretary General, Department of Education
Scoil Mochua have created a Digital Learning Plan to enhance the learning experience for our pupils and prepare them with the knowledge and skills required for their future engagement with technology.
We will ask the question “Is there a way we can improve learning outcomes through the use of technology?” We are beginning with specific curricular areas and we will introduce technology to enhance the children's learning, deepen their understanding of content and foster creative and active learning opportunities. We will guide, monitor and assess the learning, and the results will determine the direction of our Digital Learning Plan. This is not about increasing passive screen time, rather it is about finding new and more effective ways to access the curriculum for all the learners in our classrooms. It is about opening children’s minds up to the endless creative possibilities; beyond those of pen and paper.
Will Digital Learning increase my child’s exposure to screen time?
As educators we acknowledge that increased screen time can have an adverse effect on a child’s wellbeing. The research behind this is vast and compelling. The Digital Strategy we are engaging with and the focus of our work will be to foster the children’s active, creative and critical engagement with technology to enhance the learning experience as opposed to passive consumption.
Will there be a reduction in handwriting time, exposure to books or peer discussion?
Engagement in technology will not alter our belief that the most important factor impacting on learning in the classroom is the relationship between the teacher and the child. The teachers in Scoil Mochua will continue to use the most suitable teaching strategies and resources to teach the curriculum. Reading, writing and oral language will continue to be a curricular area of focus in Scoil Mochua and used to facilitate engagement in many curricular areas. We are not replacing pen and paper, we will only use digital learning to enhance the learning experience.
Will internet safety be discussed?
Annually Scoil Mochua celebrates Safer Internet Day which is an EU wide initiative to promote a safer internet for all users, especially young people. Each class engages in age appropriate learning activities to learn about safe internet use. We have a number of guest speakers and whole school initiatives to promote safe internet use. Additionally, we provide tips on internet safety for parents on our school website and links to free live webinars.
We will continue to keep you informed through the website and our Newsletters.
Why is digital learning important?
“The need for digital skills is ever present in our daily lives. To answer this need, it is vital that our education system supports all of our learners – children, young people and beyond – to gain the knowledge and skills they need in the modern world and to ensure that they have a positive experience of learning with technology. This Strategy aims to ensure this happens effectively for all learners.
Learners are central to this Strategy. No one should be left behind and it is critical that all learners are provided with meaningful opportunities to benefit from new technologies to support their education in an environment that supports and delivers modern teaching practices. By combining excellence in teaching practices with technology we can equip our students and young people with the key digital skills required to enhance and enrich their pathway through life.” Norma Foley TD, Minister for Education
“Digital skills are key to young learners’ future transition to Further and Higher education and into the world of work. They must be afforded the opportunities to acquire those skills as part of their foundational education. Essential to this aspiration is the need for young learners to learn how to make the most of the opportunities available from the use of digital technology in their learning but also to navigate the internet safely.” Bernie McNally, Secretary General, Department of Education
Scoil Mochua have created a Digital Learning Plan to enhance the learning experience for our pupils and prepare them with the knowledge and skills required for their future engagement with technology.
We will ask the question “Is there a way we can improve learning outcomes through the use of technology?” We are beginning with specific curricular areas and we will introduce technology to enhance the children's learning, deepen their understanding of content and foster creative and active learning opportunities. We will guide, monitor and assess the learning, and the results will determine the direction of our Digital Learning Plan. This is not about increasing passive screen time, rather it is about finding new and more effective ways to access the curriculum for all the learners in our classrooms. It is about opening children’s minds up to the endless creative possibilities; beyond those of pen and paper.
Will Digital Learning increase my child’s exposure to screen time?
As educators we acknowledge that increased screen time can have an adverse effect on a child’s wellbeing. The research behind this is vast and compelling. The Digital Strategy we are engaging with and the focus of our work will be to foster the children’s active, creative and critical engagement with technology to enhance the learning experience as opposed to passive consumption.
Will there be a reduction in handwriting time, exposure to books or peer discussion?
Engagement in technology will not alter our belief that the most important factor impacting on learning in the classroom is the relationship between the teacher and the child. The teachers in Scoil Mochua will continue to use the most suitable teaching strategies and resources to teach the curriculum. Reading, writing and oral language will continue to be a curricular area of focus in Scoil Mochua and used to facilitate engagement in many curricular areas. We are not replacing pen and paper, we will only use digital learning to enhance the learning experience.
Will internet safety be discussed?
Annually Scoil Mochua celebrates Safer Internet Day which is an EU wide initiative to promote a safer internet for all users, especially young people. Each class engages in age appropriate learning activities to learn about safe internet use. We have a number of guest speakers and whole school initiatives to promote safe internet use. Additionally, we provide tips on internet safety for parents on our school website and links to free live webinars.
We will continue to keep you informed through the website and our Newsletters.
Step 2 : Gather evidence
The Digital Learning SSE committee gathered qualitative evidence from teachers, pupils and parents using a variety of surveys and focus groups.
Step 1 : Identify Focus
The Digital Learning SSE committee gathered feedback from staff to identify our focus. We identified two statements of highly effective practice from the Digital Learning Framework for Primary Schools to focus on.
1.3 Pupils demonstrate the knowledge, skills and understanding required by the primary curriculum:
Pupils use digital technologies in highly effective ways to develop their knowledge, skills and understanding in accordance with the content objectives, learning outcomes, skills and concepts of the Primary School Curriculum.
4.4. Teachers contribute to building whole- staff capacity by sharing their expertise:
Teachers lead and support colleagues within the school to develop a shared vision of how digital technologies can enhance learning opportunities for all pupils.
1.3 Pupils demonstrate the knowledge, skills and understanding required by the primary curriculum:
Pupils use digital technologies in highly effective ways to develop their knowledge, skills and understanding in accordance with the content objectives, learning outcomes, skills and concepts of the Primary School Curriculum.
4.4. Teachers contribute to building whole- staff capacity by sharing their expertise:
Teachers lead and support colleagues within the school to develop a shared vision of how digital technologies can enhance learning opportunities for all pupils.
sse in well-being
sse in Maths
Evaluating the impact
Thank you to the entire school community who helped us complete the SSE process in maths. We are so proud of the work done by all staff and children to go towards achieving our targets.
As always, thank you to our extremely supportive parents, who filled out surveys and worked with children at home on problem solving.
Take a look at the following pie charts created from pupil surveys. The results speak for themselves!
https://ncca.ie/en/primary/resources-for-parents/
https://ncca.ie/media/4893/junior-infants-maths-tip-sheet-for-parents.pdf
https://ncca.ie/media/4082/helping_your_child_in_fifth_and_sixth_classes.pdf
https://www.cgimath-tlc.org/blog/2020/3/20/doing-math-with-your-child-promoting-problem-solving-suggestions-for-parents-by-linda-levi
https://hvparent.com/build-problem-solving-skills
https://www.kumon.co.uk/blog/tips-for-parents-doing-maths-with-their-children/
