St. Brigid's

Introduction

St. Brigid’s Primary School, The Coombe is an inner city DEIS Band 1 school, co-educational to first class and girls from 2nd to sixth class. There are 20 teachers and 260 children in this school. We have a number of programmes operating in the school, e.g. Early Start, First Steps, Ready Set Go Maths, Mata sa Rang, Reading Recovery, Power Hour, Fun Friends and a homework club.

The focus of the evaluation

We have undertaken a school self-evaluation of teaching and learning in the area of Mathematics. This report summarises the strengths that were identified and the areas that have been prioritised for improvement.

Summary of school self-evaluation findings

We collated information from parents, pupils and teachers in preparing this report. We also analysed the standardised test results from the last four years.

Strengths

The following particular strengths were identified:

• Literacy Strategies
• Parental Involvement
• Early Start
• Positive Rewards System
• Home/School/Community Link
• Environmental awareness

Area for development

It was recognised that further improvement was possible in the areas of numeracy, tables and problem solving. It was agreed that we adopt a phased introduction of a number of initiatives over a three-year period.

Year 1 2013/2014

Numeracy, specifying pattern and sequencing

In Year 1, the target was to Improve the teaching and learning of the pattern area of numeracy throughout the school availing of a dedicated Mathematics resource teacher, and introducing Pause for Pattern – a daily pattern activity in all classes.

Year 2 2014/2015

Numeracy, specifying tables and mental mathematics

In the second year, particular focus was placed on improving the teaching and learning of tables and mental Mathematics throughout the school by introducing Time to Think in all classes and using rhymes, raps and songs to enhance the teaching and learning of tables

Year 3 2015/2016

Numeracy, specifying maths language and problem solving

In Year 3, particular emphasis is placed on improving the teaching and learning of problem solving skills and mathematics language by introducing Maths Challenge of the Week to all classes. The initiatives implemented in Years 1 and 2 above (Pause for Pattern and Time to Think) will continue in Year 3 in all classes in the school.