be the best you can be!!

Be the Best You Can Be!!

Two-pronged approach1. Whole School 2. Subject areas

Whole SchoolStaff in-service on aspects of learning. At least one a year. Outside the school-lunch provided.Challenging methodologiesTeaching v. learningRaising the BarAssessment for LearningCo-operative learning-subject in-service

External in-serviceDr. Michael Stone, psychotherapist-teaching and learningHal ONeill, NCCA-assessment for learningJim Lyons, former Clare CEO-raising the barMaria Garvey, SLSS-co-operative learningDr. Orison Carlisle-managing stress

Staff Generated in-serviceIdeas which evolved in-houseChallenging methodologiesStaff questionnaireQualities of a good school

Marks of a good schoolPositive atmosphereGood work ethicHigh achievement High standardsWell structured, well runBroad range of activitiesUnited teamPositive leadership

Staff Questionnaire

Successful TeachingWell structured classesPositive atmosphereStudents are learningHigh standards demandedVerifiable achievement

Subject Department PlanningSubject Co-ordinatorsEncouraging subject meetings-3 per yearMock exams an ideal opportunitySubject inspections concentrate the mind

Subject Meetings-progress to dateAgreeing programmes of workSubject materials, resourcesCommon assessments, forms of assessmentManaging the transition from primary to post-primaryMixed ability classesSpecial NeedsICT in the classroomMeasuring our effectiveness-state exam results analysis

Re-filling the TankForbairtSDPI in-serviceNAPD conferenceMeitheal week-endAMCSSNorth-South InitiativesInvaluable sources of new thinking, renewing energy.

Useful Sourceswww.sdpi.ieVery useful material for staff in-service days, easily navigatedSLSS-Maria Garvey on Co-operative LearningNCCAMarino www.marinopolicy.ie

Junior Cert. Science questionName 3 parts of the body and their functions.

The BrainiumThe boriumThe abominal cavityThats where the brain isThats for the heart and lungsThats for the 5 bowels-a,e,i,o,u

Each point is material for a presentation on its own, e.g., common programmes of work-very difficult to get someone set in their ways to change