I cannot understand why the media continues to put such a focus on the top 100 set of TCE results. All it does is assist the uninformed or more easily influenced into thinking that such an achievement is a legitimate method of comparison between schools – State and Independent, Catholic and State, Catholic and Independent. In effect, it places a single piece of data before the public and in so doing overlooks the true worth and breadth of all our schools and colleges in terms of what is on offer for our young people.
Seeking information about a school’s academic performance is a legitimate investigation but it is only one aspect to what often can be, and most frequently is, a significantly greater and all embracing experience. I am not suggesting such a measure is not important, but the reality of life is that we can not all be capable of achieving in the top 100 and those who don’t, more often than not, still have much to feel successful about in terms of their achievemements. In the same way, pro rata, I am happy to undergo scrutiny of the top 100. But what does it tell you? I suggest, not a great deal about any school!
The academic (and other) achievements of our Fahan students are admirable and deserve celebration. If comparisons must be made on this basis, then I am happy for our school’s perfomances to be put under the microscope. However, I equally feel that the results of the large number of other students whom the media fail to recognize or even consider to any extent, are of equal worth in terms of their achievements. These students have also done well. They have also succeeded and are, in the vast majority of cases, equally deserving of high praise. The educational experience is about significantly more than simply achieving a TE ranking, high or otherwise, and should also seriously consider the significant and broad range of academic, musical and sporting experiences, along with a plethora of other co-curricula opportunities offered, within what is a diverse, exciting and balanced set of experiences on offer for the students in our care.
