Madam, – In the light of the publication recently of your “league tables” (Supplement, November 26th) for second level schools, we felt it imperative to respond and to voice some concerns.
First, in evaluating education, how do we measure success? We would question the use of transfer to third level as an indicator of the educational success of a school. The rich experience that we provide in a second-level school can never be measured by a bald set of statistics such as those published in your paper. Indeed, many people have gone on to very successful careers straight from secondary school.
Second, a wide variety of factors affect the academic results of a school. Some schools cater for and willingly accept all pupils equally from a broad spectrum of abilities and nationalities; their academic result may reflect this variety. Other schools, however, enjoy a privileged position economically and geographically which allows them to select a student cohort that ensures their position in any “League Tables”.
Happily, in St Louis Secondary School, Monaghan our students have enjoyed outstanding results at Leaving Certificate in 2009 in addition to a well-rounded education which includes sport, drama, music and community involvement.
However, if league tables are to provide a guideline for parents in their choice of second-level school, is it not critical that the accuracy of such information be guaranteed? The reputation of a school is built up over many years by the hard work and dedication of teachers, students’ efforts and the support of parents. It can so easily be damaged by one line of newsprint.
For example, can you guarantee that in the schools which you claim have 100 per cent transfer to third level colleges, every student who sat Leaving Certificate in June 2009 is currently attending a third level college? Local knowledge would suggest otherwise. – Yours, etc,