1. Introduction 

This document records the outcomes of our last improvement plan and the findings of this self-evaluation.

1. Outcomes of our last improvement plan from Sept 2012 to February 2016 /17 

• No class average score was below 40% in any Mathematical content or skills area. 
• Greater evidence of discrete problem solving strategies were to be seen and class average standardised testing scores in Problem Solving improved from 42% to 61%. 
• More practical and hands on approach to measures were in evidence and class average standardised testing scores in Measures improved from 59% to 60% 
• Greater use of informal Irish used in classroom interactions with the teacher. 
• Wider range of spoken genres in evidence. Agreed genres for focussing on each year. 

1.2The focus of this evaluation 

We undertook self-evaluation of teaching and learning during the period September 2018 to May2019. We evaluated the following aspect(s) of teaching and learning: 

• We evaluated pupil’s use of oral language. 
• We looked at subjects we find difficult to assess and chose Visual Arts pupil learning outcomes assessment  

2. Findings 

2.1 This is effective / very effective practice in our school  

• Most pupils enjoy their learning, are motivated to learn and expect to achieve as learners 
• The overall attainment of the pupils is at a good standard in accordance with the objectives and skills of the Primary School Curriculum 
• Pupil achievement in summative assessment is in line with or above realistic expectations 
• They are able to work independently and collaboratively in a purposeful manner. 
• Where the curriculum provides opportunities to do so, pupils are able to negotiate their learning thereby increasing their autonomy as learners 

2.2. This is how we know; 

Evidence sources, pupils’ dispositions, attainment, knowledge and skills.  

• Standardised scores; 74% of our pupils scored above the national average in reading 
• Pupil questionnaire reported that 62% of our pupils from 3^rd to 6^th class felt confident delivering a report on a project or book. 76% were happy to ask questions to find more information. 70% approx. found it easy to give directions or instructions. News and listening to stories were the favourite oral lessons. 
• Teachers observed and tracked a selection of pupils from 1^st to Sixth class using oral observation checklist. 
• Teacher observation of pupils working well on collaborative tasks and engagement on individual tasks 
• Pupils choosing their own topics for research within a given parameter, materials for problem solving in Maths. 

2.3 This is what we are going to focus on to improve our practice further 

Aspects of teaching and learning the school has identified and those prioritised for further improvement. 

• Teacher professional collaboration; Teachers implement whole school approaches to teaching and learning to improve pupils’ experiences and outcomes in using descriptive oral language 
• Teacher Collective and Collaborative Practices; collectively develop and implement consistent and dependable formative and summative assessment practices, starting with Visual Arts (then Geography) 
• Teacher professional collaboration; Teachers implement whole school approaches to teaching and learning to improve pupils’ experiences and outcomes in using more complex oral and written language