Lisneal letters critical of 'Lisneal report critical' report

PUPILS, governors and parents give their response to the Lisneal inspection report.

"Dear editor,

As a year 12 pupil attending Lisneal College and currently studying for GCSE I am disgusted after reading the article about the critical report Lisneal College received in The Sentinel on the 28th April 2010.

I feel that the teaching staff Lisneal College give up their time freely to support their pupils by holding extra curricular activities such as night classes, after school revision, Saturday morning classes and Easter school which was a great success!

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The statement that pupils attending Lisneal College are being "inadequately schooled" was appalling! As a pupil at Lisneal College for 5 years and hoping to stay on to study A levels, I disagree STRONGLY with this statement as I feel that the teaching staff at Lisneal College do their utmost best to see their pupils do well in every subject and proceed into their future with high levels of qualifications. In the 5 years I have been attending Lisneal College I have not experienced any "inadequate" teaching!

Your newspaper stated that there are poor relationships between teachers and pupils. I was quite shocked at reading this as I experience positive, encouraging and healthy relationships with each of my teachers!

I feel very comfortable coming to teachers at Lisneal College with any of my problems I am facing throughout school as they are very approachable.

With Lisneal College pupils achieving great grades throughout the years in GCSE level, AS Levels and A Levels graded A*-C! I feel that this article is disgraceful towards these pupils sitting these exams this year.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

I am actually very embarrassed at The Sentinel's article which painted a negative picture in each reader's mind on Lisneal College. I know that Lisneal College is an excellent school and all staff members are very encouraging towards every pupil attending Lisneal College.

I hope my opinion on this article is taken into consideration.

Yours Sincerely

Hannah Adair"

"Dear editor,

In response to the article on the front page of the newspaper about my school (Lisneal College) I would like to view my opinion as an upper sixth pupil.

I have been a pupil of the school for seven years now with 9 GCSE's and 3 passes in my AS levels and hope to achieve 3 passes in my A Levels.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Throughout my years at the school I have yet to believe that I have experienced inadequate teaching. The teachers believe that learning is based around the pupil and many teachers take part in extra activities such as Saturday School, after school activities and summer school. For two years running the school has had pupils who have came 1st, 2nd and 3rd in ICT in Northern Ireland. I doubt this is inadequate. Our prize giving is always a success as the pupils are doing well.

The heading about the article was 'Lisneal Report Critical'. Personally I think the word is a bit strong. Communication is essential in my school and I have positive and good relationships with many of the teachers and other staff.

The teachers are all very friendly and would go out of their way to help the pupils to achieve their full potential. The many relationships that pupils have with teachers are very positive and encouraging.

If a pupil has any worries or concerns, they are able to talk to a teacher or a member of staff which shows trust. I am also Deputy Head Girl and a prefect, I have many different roles within the school and I feel strongly about the way the report has been written.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Having read the article I feel embarrassed that our school has been given such a negative image when really this is not true. Lisneal is a brilliant school and I have enjoyed my seven years here and feel I have had the opportunity to show my full potential and achieve the grades I deserve. As I pupil I hope my opinion is valued.

Yours sincerely

Nicola Killen

Deputy Head Girl"

"Dear editor,

I am writing this letter with regards to the article that was published in the Sentinel on Wednesday 28th April stating; 'Lisneal Report Critical'. As a pupil of Lisneal College for the past 7 years I feel strongly that this was an unfair and unjustifiable headline to publish and would challenge the information that was published relating to; grades, teachers - student relationships and the overall running of the school.

Throughout my time at the school I have achieved 9 GCSE's and 3 A-levels and I feel that deeming the teaching of the school as inadequate is clearly not reflected in the results that have been achieved.

I personally do not believe that I would have achieved these results if it was not for the help and support of the teachers that I have had. I believe that I have strong relationships with all of my teachers and that they work extremely hard to ensure all of their pupils achieve their potential.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

I also can not understand why the teaching within the school has been labelled as inadequate when I have been predicted 2 A's and 1 B at A-level and am furthering my education at Queen's University in September.

Teachers within Lisneal College strive to ensure that all pupils have support to complete their work. Over the Easter period, an Easter school was set up to allow pupils to come in and work on projects and coursework and over 30 teachers volunteered to come in and help monitor and guide these pupils.

My experience of Lisneal College is that the standards of teaching are of a high level and every teacher within the school implements different methods into their lessons to ensure that they cater for the needs of all students.

I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at the school and have never experienced any aspect of my school life as poor.

Yours Sincerely

Jenny Lowry, Year 14 pupil"

"Dear editor,

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

I am writing to you as a year 14 student at Lisneal College regarding to the article published on Wednesday 28th April, headlined 'LISNEAL REPORT CRITICAL'. I felt this was a very 'strong' word in the relation to the inspection of my school.

I was shocked at the way this article has been reported and I would like to put across my thoughts based on my seven years of education, two years at Faughan Valley and five years in Lisneal College.

As a pupil of Lisneal College, my experience of education has been of the highest quality, having achieved eight good GCSE's; how can this be attained by "inadequate" teaching?

I also decided to continue at Lisneal for my A-levels based on my positive experience. Now in my final year, I am predicted three B's for my A-levels indicating the good quality of education taught by "first-class" teachers in my opinion.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The relationships that I have with my teachers are based on trust; we are all very close, I regard them not only as my teachers but my friends as I know they are always there for me should I have any problems.

I feel the article that has been published was not correctly portrayed and has left both the teachers and students of Lisneal College humiliated. I now hope that my voice is heard and the correct perception of Lisneal College is viewed differently.

Yours sincerely

Gemma Crawford"

"To the editor,

WITH regards to the article that has been printed in the Sentinel about the claim that I as a pupil of Lisneal College have been receiving "INADEQUATE" teaching, as an upper sixth pupil of the school, I personally would like to express my personal thoughts and opinions where this is concerned.

I have been a pupil at Lisneal College for a total of 5 years, having moved from a different school which I choose not to mention, to attend Lisneal College in the year 2006, which was the year of the amalgamation.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Since this I have had nothing but a very positive experience and I have also achieved high grades within the time spent here, achieving a total of 9 GCSE's and 3 passes at AS level, this I feel is NOT inadequate teaching.

The headlines that appeared on the 28th April 2010 within the Londonderry Sentinel stating "Lisneal Report Critical," I feel were totally inappropriate for the front page of our local newspaper.

I feel that this gave a terrible perception of our school and I am extremely humiliated that my school has been given such a negative outlook within the community, through false allegations made with regards to the poor teaching standards that I and other fellow pupils within my school are supposed to have experienced.

The overall relationships that I have experienced throughout my time at Lisneal College have been very positive and without these relationships with my teachers, I feel that the grades I have achieved would not have been possible.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

I hope that as a pupil attending Lisneal College, my voice and opinion will be valued and taken into consideration with regards to this issue.

Yours sincerely,

V. Brandon"

"Dear editor,

I am writing in response to the article published on Wednesday the 27th of April regarding "inadequate" teaching in Lisneal College.

I was incredibly disappointed by the inaccuracy of the report.

I myself am an AS level pupil in the school and have achieved 8 GCSE and I'm predicted an A and two Bs at A level stand. How can you call this inadequate teaching?

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

During my 5 years at Lisneal College, I received much support and encouragement from all members of staff and I find it hard to believe there is "insufficient communication" between teachers and pupils.

I myself built relationships with my teachers and feel comfortable to confide in them, not only as a professional but as a friend. They have helped to achieve the high grade I had and encouraged me to go to university to further my education.

There are a range of extra curricular activities offered within the school with a large number of teachers and pupil giving up their time to take part, which shows a high level of commitment.

I feel that the teaching and care provided with Lisneal College is more than Adequate and feel this article failed to mention the positives highlighted by inspectors.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

I feel that how this article has portrayed my school is horrendous, and has left teachers and pupils outraged as well as feeling embarrassed for attending an "inadequate" school.

I have received only the best possible teaching and care during my time at Lisneal College and would recommend the school to both children and parents who are looking for a positive learning environment and a high level of education.

Yours sincerely, Rosanna O'Neill"

"To the editor,

THIS letter is in response to the article "Lisneal Report Critical" and to the claims published on the front page of your paper concerning inadequate teaching at Lisneal College on the 28th April.

As a 6th form pupil at Lisneal College I was disgusted at the claims that teaching was inadequate. I feel that this report did not highlight the many positive aspects of Lisneal such as the many awards our pupils have won.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

I have been a pupil of Lisneal College for 4 years and Clondermott High School for 3 years I feel that the teaching if far from inadequate as I received the best help and support from my teachers through my important years such as GCSE and A level.

I feel that I would not have been able to obtain 8 GCSE'S and success in my A levels if it was not for the help and support that my teachers provided.

Down to the effective teaching at Lisneal that many pupils like myself have chosen to come back to Lisneal to study A levels as learning at Lisneal is centred to the pupils and meets each pupils individual needs.

Regarding the comments that pupils do not have an effective relationship with teachers I could not disagree more. My fellow students and classmates have a very effective and positive relationship with our teachers that result in us feeling that we can talk and confide in them of any matter that may be worrying us.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

As a pupil of Lisneal I feel that this report does not reflect the true insight of our school. My experience at Lisneal has been nothing but a positive and worthwhile one with positive outcomes as I am now getting ready to leave Lisneal with results in my A levels that will get me into the course I want for university.

As I am a senior pupil I trust my opinion will be heard and valued.

Yours sincerely,

Rachel Stevenson (Deputy Head Girl)"

"Dear editor,

In response to the article published in The Sentinel on the 28th May 2010. After reading the article that was about Lisneal College I was appalled at your suggestion that the pupils, of Lisneal College where being 'inadequately schooled'.

Being a year 12 pupil in Lisneal College, I strongly disagree with that statement and I'm deeply offended because I know for a fact that each member of teaching staff in this school is bending over backwards to make sure that we pupils are getting the best education possible.Each subject that I do in school my teachers do their best to help me on my way to achieve the best of my ability to get the GCSE's I deserve.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

All my teachers stay behind after school, they come in to offer us night classes. They come in on Saturdays' and also at Easter the teachers gave up three days of their Easter holidays to give the year 12 pupils extra revision so that we will do the best we can in our GCSE's.

I have an excellent relationship with all my subject teachers as I can talk to them about the problems I am having with my work and they do their best to help me.

All the teachers really do their best whilst teaching and they do everything they can to help each and every pupil achieve their potential.

As a pupil I feel really embarrassed because this report and your reaction to it has given Lisneal College a bad name.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

People will be looking their noses down at us and thinking that the pupils at Lisneal are not getting a good education which is not true.

I personally feel that we are getting the best education possible and that each teacher is doing the best they can to help out not only the year 12's sitting their GCSE's but the year 13's and 14's also while they are sitting important exams too.

As a pupil I strongly hope that my letter is valued!

Yours sincerely,

Joanne Thompson"

"Sir,

Please withhold my name and address as I am a parent of a child at Lisneal College but I wanted to voice my opinion on the report carried in last week's Londonderry Sentinel.

When I first read the article I was angry at the way you covered this issue, as I had heard from a number of people that most of the areas inspected at Lisneal College received favourable reports from the inspectors whereas your article said the report was critical.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

However my anger abated when I read the full report on the Department of Education's website. I found that report hard to find by the way, though I have since learned that it has been posted in full on the Sentinel's website so it should be easier for parents like myself to fully inform themselves of its contents. It is obvious on reading the full report that, while there were a number of positive aspects highlighted by the inspectors, the overall tone of the Department of Education's report was highly critical - even more so, perhaps, than your article suggested.

Having read the report, I want to congratulate the Sentinel - and the reporter responsible - for publishing the story last week.

Lisneal College has wonderful facilities and as the only Controlled secondary school it is vital that it provides a good standard of education across the board, otherwise there is a deficit within the community. The Sentinel has done not just parents, but the wider community a service by highlighting this report. It will ensure action is not just taken but that it is seen to be taken.

The report is bad, and there is a lot of unease since it became public. However, given responses by the school, some good may yet come from this very unsatisfactory situation, especially if parents and the wider community do get involved and participate better in activities aimed at helping parents to help their children.

I hope the Sentinel continues to keep us in the picture.

Name and address withheld"

"Sir,

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

WHILST there are disappointing aspects to the Report by ETI on Lisneal College and it is these which have grabbed the headlines in the media, I am pleased to note that the ETI Report also carries positive comments on key areas of the school.

It is encouraging to note that in the best examples many lessons were very good and aimed at challenging learners.

The work of the Learning Support Centre has enjoyed a high reputation in the community for some time and this is highlighted in the Report. Lisneal College is recognised within the WELB as having a highly effective team of teachers and classroom assistants within the Learning Support Centre who have embraced the inclusion agenda to ensure that children with wide-ranging additional needs can make progress socially, emotionally and educationally.

The good practice established within the Centre is supported by subject teachers throughout the school whose commitment to supporting children with special needs is evidenced in the progress and raised self-esteem of the pupils. This is recognised by ETI.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The Mathematics Department, the staff of which have been engaged in a Continuous Development Programme aimed at raising achievement, has been developing a range of teaching and learning techniques aimed at improving the outcomes achieved by pupils and this is recognised as a strength within the college. Teaching observed within the Mathematics Department was either good or very good and it was noted that pupils were motivated and engaged in their learning.

In addition to these positives it was also noted that Pastoral Care, Child Protection, Healthy Eating and Physical Activity and Careers Education were all deemed satisfactory.

Knowing many of the staff in these areas as I do and the commitment which they bring to their work, this judgement seems a little mean –spirited to say the least.

The College in the recent past has won awards for the promotion of Healthy Eating. Careers Education is an integral component of the curriculum and there is in the school an extensive Work Experience Programme in addition to ongoing guidance on subject options and university choices. The Careers Department in liaison with the Business Studies Department has a lengthy record of success in Young Enterprise.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

With regard to pastoral care, in an age when other institutions have been found wanting, many vulnerable young people within Lisneal College have reason to be grateful for the caring ethos which guides the work of the pastoral staff.

Due to the nature of the ETI Report in that the process is time-limited and concentrated only on some curricular areas of the college, not all Departments or teachers were inspected. I am confident that, had the inspection been more wide-ranging more strengths within the college would have been acknowledged.

In saying this, is not to deny those areas which the ETI highlights as areas for improvements.

As a Governor and member of a Board of Governors which is ultimately accountable for the good governance, leadership, ethos and standards within what is the only Controlled College in Londonderry, I will want to play my part in addressing those areas which ETI has identified as being in need of improvement. Such is incumbent upon me and my fellow governors, accountable as we are to the community which the college serves.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

We must now begin with an honest, open and transparent analysis of what lies behind the judgement of ETI.

Recent documents and reports highlight the under-achievement of Protestant males in the Waterside area.

Speaking to community workers in the Waterside area, this is clearly a concern not just for teachers and governors.

In the light of the ETI Report this is an issue which perhaps the whole community needs to address.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Certainly within the college, the ETI identifies the need for more collaborative and inclusive strategies for school improvement and stimulation of the challenge and enjoyment of learning however the community has a supportive role to play in developing an ethos based on a set of understood values of education and qualifications. This is not as apparent in the broader unionist as in earlier times and we should be seeking views across the community as to why this is the case.

The ETI has drawn attention to unsatisfactory standards in some subject areas within Lisneal College and these I am confident will be addressed but they will be addressed more successfully if the wider community – parents and pupils – is encouraged to participate and support the college and its staff.

Within society, young people often receive mixed and conflicting messages.

Perhaps it is time for the broader unionist community to define what it wants for its younger members and ensure that all those who have any role in their development commit to agreed values and standards and ensure the provision of the facilities which will facilitate their achievement.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

This community continues to experience transition arising from years of violence and communal unrest.

In this city the unionist community bore the brunt and is slower to recover than the nationalist community which has enjoyed financial, economic and political support from government commensurate with the need to buy its support for peace. The unionist community has been the poor relation sometimes as a result of its reluctance to develop other than by its own efforts.

Of late we have heard calls for unionist unity.

The local Chairman of the Foyle Unionist Association, Terry Wright, has responded to this on a number of occasions. That the calls for unity persist without any contact or communication with the UUP, suggest that the calls do not go beyond a hollow publicity stunt timed for election time.

In spite of this, the UUP is committed to building and accommodating unity and co-operation and the future of our young people, their education and well-being, would seem a suitable place to start.

Yours

Mary Hamilton"

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The original Sentinel report and a full version of the inspection report are available below or by going to the following web addresses.

http://www.londonderrysentinel.co.uk/news/Lisneal-report-critical.6260223.jp

http://www.londonderrysentinel.co.uk/news/Full-Lisneal-report.6260265.jp

Related topics: