DEPARTMENT OF Education inspectors have expressed concern about the teaching of Irish in one Dublin school where pupils were being taught by unqualified staff.
In a subject inspection report on Irish teaching at John Scottus Secondary School in Donnybrook, it says the provision made for the language on the school’s timetable is not completely satisfactory.
The report, based on an inspection earlier this year, states: “There are three teachers currently teaching Irish in the school but none of whom is qualified as an Irish teacher, although one of these teachers has extensive experience in teaching the subject. The main Irish teacher is on career break at the moment but intends to return to the school in September 2009.’’
The inspectors say the use of Irish as a management, teaching and communicative language was very good in the classes observed.
But it recommends a comprehensive plan for the teaching and learning of Irish should be written.
The inspectors also praise the caring and supportive work by teachers at Deansrath Community College in Clondalkin, Dublin.
But their report expresses concern about low attainment by many pupils. “It is recommended that, although some work has already been done around this issue, raising achievement levels is now made an urgent priority for management, board and all staff.”
At St James CBS in Dublin, inspectors say the length of the school week falls just over one hour short of 28 hours contact time for students. It is essential, the report states, that the school address this shortfall in order to be fully compliant with the department circular.
However, the school receives a glowing report for its teaching and learning. Senior management are praised as effective leaders.
At the Royal School in Cavan, inspectors say arrangements for the establishment of a board of management, with its composition and functions as outlined in the Education Act 1998, should be made as soon as possible.
In line with the Act, the board of governors should agree and implement steps to facilitate and assist the formation and operation of a parents’ association for the school, it states. The school receives praise for the high quality of its teaching and the strong sense of care and support for students.
In all, 296 school inspection reports were published yesterday on the Department of Education and Science website, education.ie.
The department has been publishing the reports for over three years. In the past year, the reports have become more robust in tone; earlier this year inspectors were scathing about the operation of the Muslim primary school in Cabra, Dublin.
In all, there are now 3,267 school-inspection reports on the website.
Whole-school evaluation reports comment on a school’s management, planning and management of resources; the effectiveness of teaching and learning; its arrangements for student assessment, supports for students, provision for minority groups and home-school links.