'Outstanding' Knockahollet Primary School

It’s been an outstanding year for the football squad at Knockahollet PS as they completed a clean sweep of all three major competitions, winning the Small Schools’ League, The Gowland Shield and the treble by winning the 2016 NI Small Schools’ Final.

KNOCKAHOLLET PRIMARY SCHOOL RATED AS OUTSTANDING BY SCHOOL INSPECTORS

Following an inspection carried out by the Education Training Inspectorate, Knockahollet Primary School was adjudged to be outstanding in all three areas looked at; Achievements and Standards, Provision for Learning and Leadership and Management.

With fewer than 7% of primary schools in Northern Ireland awarded these grades last year, Knockahollet Primary School stands out as one of the best primary schools in the country.

“The quality of pastoral care is outstanding.”

Described as a school small enough to care, but big enough to make a difference, Knockahollet offers a warm and friendly atmosphere where children are well cared for. The Inspection Report highlighted the pupils who were described as “confident, motivated and inquisitive learners” with “highly developed thinking skills,” It went on to report that “The quality of the standards achieved by the children in literacy is outstanding.”

What happens in the classroom has always had the highest priority at Knockahollet Primary School and a key feature of all the lessons was the consistently creative and innovative approach by the teachers to integrating and connecting the children’s learning across the curriculum.

Referring to the teachers, the Inspector’s commented, “Their shared understanding of how to advance the children’s learning in Literacy and Numeracy and the

high expectations held by both the staff and the children, results in consistently purposeful, focused and meaningful learning in all classes.”

That creativity was recognised when the school was presented with the prestigious Pushkin Rewarding Creativity Award from Sir Ken Robinson, one of the leading advocates for developing creativity in schools around the world.

Chair of Governors, Mr. Tom Skelton, said “Knockahollet Primary School has long had the reputation for delivering an excellent standard of care, teaching and learning throughout the years.

The report reflects the work not just of the Staff, but also the support of the parents and is confirmation that the school is not simply an excellent one, it’s outstanding.”

YOUNG INNOVATORS TAKE FIRST PRIZE AT UUJ

Congratulations to the P7’s on winning the prestigious SENTINUS Junior Innovators 2016 at The Big Bang Science Fair at UUJ. The class built and tested two solar powered ovens and came out tops, beating science projects from over 25 schools from around NI to carry off first prize. Well done to each 
one for contributing to the project.

CELEBRATING THE QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY.

Over 150 friends and guests came along to celebrate The Queen’s 90th birthday at the Knockahollet Garden Party. A huge thanks to the ladies from the PTA for putting on such a fantastic event.