What is School Self Evaluation?

School Self Evaluation (SSE) is a process that schools all over the country are currently engaged in. It is a “collaborative, inclusive, and reflective process of internal school review”. 

The process of School Self Evaluation involves gathering information from a range of sources about the quality of teaching and learning in our school, analysing the data and setting targets for improvements for our school. This data then forms our plan which we as a staff will put into action, track progress and evaluate.

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Six Step Process

The ultimate purpose of SSE is to improve the quality of learning in our school. It is a six step process:

Our school has identified four areas of focus for our SSE process: 

1. Retrieval Practice
2. Wellbeing 
3. Teaching and Learning
4. Digital Technology

For each focus, there is a committee working behind the scenes on completing each of the six steps of the SSE process.

Aims & Objectives 2024/25

Retrieval Practice Team

• To continue to engage staff with the use of retrieval practices as a beneficial way of aiding student learning in their classroom
• To increase student understanding of the word ‘retrieval practise’- Using the term recap- Student friendly word (from teacher feedback outlining the difficulty with the word in the classroom)
• To increase student use of retrieval practice within the classroom using whatever method is suitable for that particular subject.  
• Retrieval Practice Methods - linked to the homework board being introduced by the Teaching and Learning Committee.

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Wellbeing Team

• Wellbeing must be a whole school approach.
• Curriculum is being taught in the Wellbeing classes but the Indicators of Wellbeing must be at the heart of Teaching & Learning across the Whole School.
• Teachers must know the 6 indicators, and refer to them in planned teaching. Imbed them in subject plans. Are all students able to connect with the class,if not,why not? What measures can be taken to help them? Be aware of who is getting SEN support in your class. Is the classroom inclusive of other Cultures etc, are all students respected, feel that their opinions are valued? Does the teacher build resilience in a student?
• To complete a Whole School Evaluation of Wellbeing using SSE. The strand chosen is positive reinforcement building on data received from the use of positive reinforcement cards used for 1st year students last year.

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Teaching & Learning Team

• Examine various teaching methodologies  and research findings and communicate to staff via monthly teaching newsletters continuing on from 23/24. 
• Provide CPD to staff during Croke Park hours. 
• Identify areas for development within our school 
• Continue to engage in peer observation and roll out to 10% of staff 
• Introduce uniformity of lesson structure with new homework boards being put up in every classroom.

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Digital Technology Team

• After research completed during 23/24 (visits to schools etc) it has been decided that all incoming first years in 25/26 will have to purchase their own device. 
• Develop a management system and infrastructure needed for 1-1 devices which will be introduced to all first years in 2025/26.
• All members of staff to achieve level 1 Google Certificates. 
• Provision of 3 CPD sessions for teachers (on how to give feedback digitally and on the use of 1-1 devices).some text
  • How to give effective digital feedback
  • Use of digital technology to aid reflection
  • General use of 1-1 devices: Staff have expressed a desire to have a session on general housekeeping in relation to the devices: Storage of material, trying to keep everything in order, easy to find material, etc
  • Teachers to become google certified teachers - level 1 (3 hour exam)

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