Markethill High School gets Minister’s seal of approval for excellence in ETI Report
By Eleanor McGillie
MARKETHILL High School has taken part in a celebration of success with the Education Minister following this year’s inspection report.
Chairman of the Board of Governors, Willie Johnston, joined the Minister in the Long Gallery, Parliament Buildings for a special event which attracted over 100 schools from across Northern Ireland who received certificates in recognition of their high standards.
Speaking at the event Education Minister John O’Dowd said: “I pay tribute to your hard work, professionalism and your commitment to excellence for our young people. Each person here today is an example of the best practice that we know exists in many of our schools and pre-schools.
“Common to all high-performing schools is strong leadership, which in turn fosters good teaching.
“Your schools are delivering for all our children and young people, including those with Special Educational Needs, from early years right through to Key Stage four or post-sixteen study.”
The Minister also referred to the role of parents and the wider school community: “The support of the wider school community is essential in helping schools deliver high quality educational provision for our children and young people. We need to ensure that parents, and the wider school community, take an active role in supporting their children and their children’s schools, to be the best that they can be.”
The Minister thanked staff in the Education and Library Boards, CCMS, NICIE, CnaG and the Early Years Organisation for their role in driving forward improvement.
He also paid tribute to the Education and Training Inspectorate(ETI). John O’Dowd said: “Inspection works and it is through inspection that we can identify the excellent practice in settings such as yours. Inspection also drives improvement and schools should use inspection findings to identify areas where they can improve.”
Mr Johnston, who represented Markethill High School, said: “We always appreciate the Minister’s recognition that Markethill High School is a school which continues to deliver a high standard of education for the children in the Armagh city and district.
“Parents choose to send their children to our school for the very reasons the Minister has given us praise for. We are delighted to have been selected to attend the celebration of success.”
ENDS:
NOTES TO EDITOR:
- Markethill High School is a co-educational 11-16 Comprehensive School situated on a spacious site adjacent to the town. Since 1959 the school has been educating pupils of all abilities drawn from a wide geographical area. The school’s ethos is ‘Believe To Achieve’.
- For further information contact Eleanor McGillie of MGMPR Ltd on 028 3756 9569 | 07709805379| Education PR Public Relations Northern Ireland | Public Relations UK | Brand Journalism UK | Brand Journalism Northern Ireland | Brand Journalism Experts
