Focus on attainment: Markethill High School

Markethill High School is an 11-16 non-selective co-educational school situated in the village of Markethill in the county of Armagh.  The school has focused on improvement through self-evaluation, school development planning and the consolidation of quality teaching and learning.

A recent inspection report commended the school for highly strategic leadership, collegial staff approaches and the development and implementation of a school-designed, research-informed approach to classroom practice. 

Initiatives include: 

• A revised learning and teaching policy was produced in 2015, followed by a revised assessment and feedback policy in 2017.  Both form the core of all of Markethill High School’s work. 

• Effective use of assessment data to track the progress of individual pupils and ensure the appropriate action is taken either to amend the teaching programme or to provide additional support.

• In 2015, the school introduced the research lesson study (RLS) model to supplement the existing Performance Review and Staff Development (PRSD) system. Staff work together to co-create lessons and the emphasis is directly on the learning as opposed to the teaching.

• There is a clear vision of high aspiration for each pupil which is shared by the school community and communicated effectively by leadership and Governors.

Markethill High School has demonstrated a steady improvement in GCSE outcomes and the narrowing of the gender gap. In 2017, over 92% of boys achieved five or more passes at A* - C while the equivalent Northern Ireland average was 81%.

To Read the full Markethill High School case study click here.

13 June 2018