ERO Report

The full November 2007 ERO report is available on the ERO website.  Refer to : www.ero.govt.nz

The report is based on an ERO review carried out in September 2007.

The community information page from the report is below.

To the Parents and Community of Papakowhai School

These are the findings of the Education Review Office’s latest report on Papakowhai School.

Papakowhai School is situated about 25 kilometres north of Wellington City and caters for students up to year 8.  The school has enjoyed a steady and positive reporting history with ERO. 

The Board of Trustees provides sound governance and clear direction in long‑term and operational planning.  Goals are focused on student learning and achievement, and the budget is planned to support the agreed annual priorities.  Annual allocations are supplemented with funds raised by the home and school committee, which has made many valuable contributions, over time, to student learning and the general operation of the school.

The grounds are attractively kept and offer students a variety of spaces for organised and free play.  Over the past few years the board has upgraded all classrooms and built a hall.  These facilities offer good quality environments for learning and are made visually stimulating with charts, prompts and interesting displays of student work.  The administration facilities, including the reception area, are in need of remodelling to cater for present staff needs and the size of the roll.

The findings of the 2005 ERO review were that board planning needed refinement and alignment to provide a coherent approach to school operation.  An additional recommendation was made for management and staff to investigate the use of assessment tools, and use the information gathered to assist teacher planning for improved learning opportunities in literacy.

This review evaluates the quality of teaching and learning provided for students in mathematics/numeracy.  The scope includes evaluation of how well the school is meeting the needs of Māori and gifted and talented students.  In addition, ERO reviewed aspects of compliance.  The board has suitable systems for maintaining a safe and healthy environment, and no major concerns were identified.

Since 2005, the board has reviewed and revised its strategic and business plans.  Teachers have undertaken professional development in teaching and assessment of numeracy and statistics, and the use of information and communication technologies.  The school now has access to a wider range of analysed achievement data in literacy and mathematics.  It is using this information to track student performance and respond to strengths and weaknesses identified in programme effectiveness.  In addition to setting appropriate targets for raising achievement, the school is providing extension and enrichment opportunities for students with identified abilities.

Student achievement in aspects of literacy and mathematics is collated and analysed from year three.  The 2006 results show that, overall, about two thirds of students were reading at or above their chronological age and 80% of the students targeted for programme intervention made progress.  In mathematics, student achievement is similar to national profiles for the tests, with fewer students featuring in the lower and upper achievement bands.  The 2007 data show pleasing progress, with more students achieving the school’s benchmark and working within the expected curriculum level for their age and year. 

Professional development has been positive for teachers and students.  The next steps for school improvement are to refine and consolidate practice through ongoing discussion and sharing high quality practice identified within the school. 

Papakowhai School is a settled and harmonious environment in which the board, staff and students demonstrate mutual respect and cooperative working relationships.

Future Action

ERO is confident that the board of trustees can manage the school in the interests of the students and the Crown and bring about the improvements outlined in this report. 

ERO will review the school again as part of the regular review cycle.

Review Coverage

ERO reviews do not cover every aspect of school performance and each ERO report may cover different issues.  The aim is to provide information on aspects that are central to student achievement and useful to this school.

If you would like a copy of the full report, please contact the school or see the ERO website, http://www.ero.govt.nz.

Lennane Kent
Acting Area Manager
for Chief Review Officer