UP International College New Zealand

Findings

On the basis of the information obtained during the review, ERO considers that ACG New Zealand International College meets the criteria for registration as a private school set out in the Education Act 1989.

1. Background

The Chief Review Officer has a statutory duty to report on the performance of private schools throughout New Zealand.

ERO reviews of private schools are significantly different in process and more limited in scope and reporting than those for state and state-integrated schools, focusing as they do on the Criteria for Registration set out in section 35C of the Education Act.

Section 35I of the Education Act 1989 requires the Education Review Office (ERO) to review private schools and to report to the Ministry of Education on whether each school continues to meet the criteria for registration. The schools are privately owned and the legislative requirements are significantly different to those for state and state-integrated schools. Private schools are not required to follow the National Education Goals or National Administration Guidelines.

What does apply in place of the legislation imposed upon state schools by the Education Act is the contract between the persons paying for the tuition of the child at the school – the parents – and the school authority. Those are matters between the parent and the school’s governing body. More information about ERO reviews of private schools can be found on ERO’s website www.ero.govt.nz/Reviews-Process.

The criteria for registration are that the school —

a) has premises that are suitable, as described in section 35D; and

b) usually provides tuition for 9 or more students who are of or over the age of 5 years but are under the age of 16 years; and

c) has staffing that is suitable to the age range and level of its students, the curriculum taught at the school, and the size of the school; and

d) has equipment that is suitable for the curriculum being delivered or to be delivered at the school; and

e) has a curriculum for teaching, learning, and assessment and makes details of the curriculum and its programme for delivery available for parents; and

f) has suitable tuition standards, as described in section 35F; and

g) has managers who are fit and proper persons (as described in section 35G) to be managers of a private school.

ACG New Zealand International College is part of the Academic Colleges Group (ACG). It is a fully registered, private co-educational school in Auckland city. The central Queen Street campus caters for international students who intend to study either an English Language course or enrol in the Foundation Studies course in preparation for The University of Auckland or other tertiary institutions. Secondary students attend the Parnell College campus for tuition through Years 9-13.

The college’s governing body is the ACG managing board. The principal and senior management team lead and manage the college. The learning culture reflects the college’s aspirations for high achievement, effective learning and student wellbeing.

ACG’s vision, values, policies and procedures underpin the operation of ACG New Zealand International College.

2. Criteria for Registration

The ACG New Zealand International College meets the criteria for a suitable curriculum. Learning is based on relationship building that leads to mutual respect between students and teachers. Students have access to three main strands of qualifications.

The University of Auckland’s Certificate in Foundation Studies is based on the New Zealand qualification for National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) using Level 2 and 3 achievement standards. English Language school students work towards proficiency in the English language at a suitable level to access tertiary qualifications. Their progress is recorded on an Academic Record of Learning issued by the college. Secondary school-aged students, attending the Parnell College campus, successfully prepare for Cambridge International Exams (CIE) and some NCEA achievement standards.

The college aims to provide quality courses that enable students to achieve at high levels and succeed in ongoing tertiary study.

A strong feature of the school’s curriculum is the pastoral and academic support given to students to assist and advise them through their learning pathways. A tutor for this purpose is allocated to each student as well as the specialist teachers who attend to students’ subject courses. Careful systems monitor the achievement and attendance of students in order to address issues where they may arise.

Systems for reporting to students and their families on progress and achievement are very highly developed and effective. Parents are frequently involved in the processes required for positive pastoral care outcomes.

Since ERO’s review in 2010 communication technology (ICT) to support and promote learning has been substantially developed. Personal ICT devices for students are made available through the college. Staff receive extensive professional development to implement e-learning changes effectively.

ERO’s investigations into assessment generated useful discussions with school managers about student progress and achievement. It may be beneficial for the college to discuss with The University of Auckland the possibility of considering gathering accumulative achievement results throughout the year in preference to one set of external exams at the end of the year being the main indicator for success in the Foundation Studies courses.

The delivery of the curriculum is supported by comfortable and suitable premises. More focus has been placed on renovation and furnishings that reflect the value placed on an attractive and purposeful environment for older students. Since the 2010 ERO review the building’s air quality has been improved, the library has been extended to accommodate a student information centre and extended facilities encourage more students to self manage. Leisure and recreational spaces are available for students.

Teacher capability meets the college’s suitability statement for the standard of tuition. The school employs highly qualified, New Zealand registered teachers who have the expertise to meet the high academic standards expected from college staff. Their professionalism and effectiveness is well documented in the performance management system. A new management role has recently been created for a leader in academic coaching to assist the development of relevant, twenty-first century teaching strategies.

The school’s managers have attested that they comply with the provisions of section 35G of the Education Act 1989 in being fit and proper persons to manage the school.

3. Other Statutory Obligations

There are good policies, procedures, systems and operations in place for the school’s managing body to be assured that its statutory obligations are being met. Monitoring of systems and operations is efficient and regular.

4. Other Matters

Provision for international students

The school is a signatory to the Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students (the Code) established under 238F of the Education Act 1989. At the time of this review the college attested that it complies with all aspects of the Code.

The college continues to provide good quality pastoral care, mentoring and support for international students.

Careful consideration is given to supporting student transition into the college. Selection of relevant courses to match aspirations helps students transition further into courses of study when they leave. Students are well supported to become proficient in the English language.

Effective communication systems are in place to keep parents and the college’s managing body well informed of student progress and achievement.

5. Conclusion

On the basis of the information obtained during the review, ERO considers that ACG New Zealand International College meets the criteria for registration as a private school set out in theEducation Act 1989.

Dale Bailey National Manager Review Services Northern Region

1 August 2014

About the School