Section Three:
The Commission
findings
4.
Looking
Achievement
forward: issues,
Continuing to raise achievement and pupils’ self-
esteem were listed as ongoing concerns. The
opportunities
challenge is being able to offer opportunities that
and challenges
are appropriate and will stretch every child. Specific
issues related to engaging pupils who are ‘less
academic’ and who would benefit from
This questionnaire topic gave respondents the ‘apprentice-type working’, including at primary
chance to identify their own issue and describe level.
associated opportunities and challenges. A number
of subjects were further elaborated at the seminars. Caring for the whole child
In the subsections that follow, issues have been The issue of developing the child as an individual
categorised according to respondent. and paying attention to her/his own particular
circumstances was raised by several schools. Some
respondents specifically referred to children who
are disadvantaged and those who have to learn
4.1 ‘out of school’, such as those in hospital. Two
Schools challenges are to ‘help the families of these
children to cope with the changes’ and to facilitate
The policy landscape better integration of communities that represent
Some comments reiterated the issue of ‘initiative different cultures.
overload’ and seeming lack of planning.
‘Ensuring that pupils get the best
‘We have very good results in league education but also the best care
tables and tests, ICT accreditation, possible emotionally. There are so
sports events, science and technology many pupils who are suffering
challenges, art and design mentally because of social issues
competitions and other events. We (divorce, drug abuse, street gangs)
are always ready to accept a and because of the pressure that they
challenge BUT I feel we are under are put under to attain academically
serious pressure with over 70 (there are too many public tests).
innovations at present in our Balance is needed. ‘
pipeline.’ School leader, Primary phase School leader, Secondary phase
50
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