Evaluating Outcomes at Project Level

Bridging the Gap has promoted and supported good practice throughout the whole group of forty-seven participating schools, working in partnership with the network of principals and of teachers.  Among the many positive outcomes of the project are specific measured improvements in the following areas:

·         literacy and language development

·         mathematics

·         science (including successful participation in Young Scientist exhibition)

·         information technology (ECDL)

·         attendance

·         quality of homework

·         Junior Certificate results and retention to senior cycle

·         uptake of science subjects in second level

·         aspirations to study in higher education, career ambitions

In addition, pupils have developed high levels of skill in the performing and visual arts, with consequent improvements in self-esteem and self-discipline.  This has had a positive impact on attainment across the curriculum. 

Bridging the Gap has helped schools to make more productive links with their communities: parents are more actively engaged in children’s learning, and they support the work of the project in the schools.