Top marks for Slemish College

Slemish College has once again been designated with the top award for educational provision when the Education Training Inspectorate recently conducted a full inspection.
Slemish College ICT teacher Mrs Scullion with pupil Duncan and some of the visitors to the open night who played computer games. INBT 06-815HSlemish College ICT teacher Mrs Scullion with pupil Duncan and some of the visitors to the open night who played computer games. INBT 06-815H
Slemish College ICT teacher Mrs Scullion with pupil Duncan and some of the visitors to the open night who played computer games. INBT 06-815H

Previously the College was inspected in 2009 when the overall findings were outstanding.

The recent report praises the high quality teaching and learning, stating that its effectiveness can be attributed to “well planned, innovative and engaging teaching strategies.” It also praised “high levels of enquiry-based pupil challenge; learning activities that allow pupils to access higher order thinking; and responsive and dialogue teaching where teachers pick up and respond to pupil learning through effective questioning, meaningful discussion and strong consolidation of learning.” Likewise Pastoral Care was again cited as an area of strength: “The quality of the arrangements for care and support is highly effective.”

With regard to performance, The ETI particularly highlighted English and English Literature, commending achievements at both GCSE and GCE A level which it said were “outstanding”, with the pupils “attaining outcomes consistently above the Northern Ireland (NI) average at both grades A* to C and at A* to B.” It was also noted that there were “excellent levels of pupil motivation and enthused engagement” in Physical Education and in Mathematics lessons “the pupils’ responses are challenged and their understanding is extended through skilful questioning and judicious use of information and communication technology (ICT).” Overall Slemish College was found to have a “high level of capacity for sustained improvement in the interest of all the learners,” reflecting the highly positive findings of the week long inspection.

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