Inspectors give school top marks

Inspectors give school top marks

31 October 2012

STAFF of St. Joseph’s Primary School in Crossgar are celebrating a successful inspection report.

The local school was inspected last month by the Education and Training Inspectorate, which has since ranked the school’s pastoral care of children as “outstanding.”

Ranking the school among the very best for the care of its children, inspectors said the children’s views were valued, while they enjoyed an “inclusive and supportive method.”

Inspectors have also widely praised the very good provision for learning within St. Joseph’s, while noting that children are achieving in line with or above their ability in English and mathematics.

Teachers were also praised in the report for their teaching, the majority of which was classed as “very good” or “outstanding” with interesting lessons and high standards making learning more enjoyable for children.

“The lessons are planned well and provide interesting and enjoyable activities and, in almost all of the lessons observed, were well-matched to the needs and abilities of all of the children.

“The teachers interact very well with the children in order to develop their thinking and learning.”

The school, which is led by principal Barry Coulter, currently caters for 81 children.

Inspectors said Mr. Coulter leads the school “very effectively” and was highly committed to his role.

“He is highly committed to the school and promotes a team ethos in which all members of the school community are involved in the decision-making process,” the report states.

“He combines his leadership role and teaching duties well and provides clear, realistic direction for the school’s development.

“In all areas inspected, the quality of education provided by this school is very good.

“The school is meeting very effectively the educational and pastoral needs of the children and has demonstrated its capacity for sustained self-improvement.”