Destiny School

Destiny School

Introduction

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 clauses 2 to 6, Schedule 7 of the Education and Training Act 2020.

Clause 9, Schedule 7 of the Education and Training Act requires the Education Review Office (ERO) to review private schools and to report to the Secretary for Education on whether each school meets the criteria for registration.

More information about ERO reviews of private schools can be found on ERO’s website Private and independent schools | Education Review Office (ero.govt.nz)

The criteria for registration are that the school —

  1. has premises that are suitable, as described in clause 3, Schedule 7; and

  2. 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 [clause 2(b), Schedule 7); and

  3. 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 (clause 2(c), Schedule 7; and

  4. has equipment that is suitable for the curriculum being delivered or to be delivered at the school (clause 2(d) Schedule 7); and

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

  6. has suitable tuition standards, as described in clauses 2(e),(f) and 5, Schedule 7; and

  7. has managers who are fit and proper persons (as described in clause 6, Schedule 7) to be managers of a private school; and

  8. is a physically and emotionally safe place for students (clause 2(h), Schedule 7).

When an ERO report identifies an area within the criteria for registration that is not meeting the criteria at the time of the ERO review, that will be reported, the Ministry will be informed, and the Ministry will follow up the issue with the school.

ERO’s Judgement

a) The school has premises that are suitable as described in clause 3, Schedule 7

Meeting

b) The school 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

Meeting

 c) The school 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

Meeting

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

Meeting

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

Meeting

f) The school has suitable tuition standards as described in clauses 2(e), (f) and 5, Schedule 7

Meeting

g) The school has managers who are fit and proper persons (as described in clause 6, Schedule 7)

Meeting

h) The school is a physically and emotionally safe place for students

A safe place is one in which risks to student safety are regularly assessed and evaluated with a view to eliminating, or at least reducing, harm. A safe place is one where clear policies exist and are acted upon to eliminate or minimise harm.

ERO’s judgement is based on the quality, intent and regular review of the school’s policies and procedures.

The school has regularly reviewed policies and procedures to provide for a physically and emotionally safe place for students.

Conclusion

On the basis of the information obtained during the review, ERO considers that Destiny School meets the criteria for registration as a private school set out in clauses 2 to 6, Schedule 7 of the Education and Training Act 2020.

Filivaifale Jason Swann
Director Review and Improvement Services (Northern)

Northern Region - Te Tai Raki

20 December 2022

About the School

The Education Counts website provides further information about the school’s student population, student engagement and student achievement. educationcounts.govt.nz/home

Destiny School - 21/09/2018

Findings

On the basis of the information obtained during the review, ERO considers that Destiny School 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.

Section 35I of the Education Act 1989, requires the Education Review Office (ERO) to review fully registered private schools, and to report to the Ministry of Education on whether each school continues to meet the criteria for full registration.

This review report was prepared in accordance with standard procedures approved by the Chief Review Officer.

2 Criteria for Registration

Destiny School in Wiri, Auckland, is a fully registered private school for students in Years 1 to 15. The school is governed by the Destiny Board of Governors and is located in the Destiny Church complex. The school’s unique special character is fostered through strong connections between the school, church and community.

The school’s standard of tuition is suitable. Leaders and teachers are continuing to strengthen teaching capability as part of developing a seamless approach to education across the school. Primary and college staff are increasingly working together for professional learning. The principal and senior teacher are also providing good guidance to develop more consistent and effective teaching practices schoolwide. The current focus is on students experiencing learning approaches that help them to understand what they are learning in each lesson, and why and how they can meet their learning goals.

Students sustain their engagement in learning tasks and programmes. They respond positively to the clear expectations and routines set by leaders and teachers. Teachers’ respectful and supportive relationships with students help them to confidently participate and contribute to class and group work. Students are articulate and teachers encourage them to share their ideas and perspectives, ask questions and to learn from their mistakes.

Whole school kapa haka is highly valued by students, parents and staff. This is helping to foster Māori students’ sense of pride in their language, culture and identity as Māori.

The school provides a suitable curriculum that reflects the school’s values and vision statement. The school’s character education programme complements the academic programmes. The values, which are taught and regularly reinforced, underpin relationships and practices within the school.

The Cambridge International Curriculum provides a framework for teaching and student learning in Years 7 to 13. Students in Years 1 to 6 learn through programmes based on the New Zealand Curriculum, as well as the Cambridge science framework. This year a small group of Year 12 students is following correspondence programmes related to the National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA).

Teachers make good use of termly assessment data to closely track students’ progress and to guide their planning. There is a strong focus on shifting the achievement of students not yet achieving at expected levels. Parents receive regular and detailed information about their children’s achievement and next steps for learning.

The school has suitable staffing. The principal and senior teacher demonstrate professional leadership. They work alongside teachers and support staff, and volunteer helpers to promote students’ learning and personal growth. Effective processes are used to guide staff appraisal and to meet the Education Council requirements for issuing and renewing teachers’ practising certificates.

The school continues to provide suitable premises and equipment. Students learn in spacious environments well suited to delivering the curriculum. They benefit from the church complex’s facilities, including a large multi-purpose room which is used for physical education, wet day recreation, kapa haka and whole school activities. There is a well-equipped computer suite and a science laboratory to support specialised curriculum programmes for senior students. The school has plans to continue improving the condition of the outside field and car park area.

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

3 Other Obligations

There are good systems in place for the school’s managing body to be assured that its other statutory obligations are met.

4 Conclusion

On the basis of the information obtained during the review, ERO considers that Destiny School meets the criteria for registration as a private school set out in the Education Act 1989.

Violet Tu’uga Stevenson

Director Review and Improvement Services

Te Tai Raki - Northern Region

21 September 2018

About the School

Location

Wiri, Auckland

Ministry of Education profile number

1655

School type

Composite (Years 1 to 15)

School roll

140

Gender composition

Girls 54% Boys 46%

Ethnic composition

Māori
Pākehā
Pacific
other Ethnic Groups

90%
4%
5%
1%

Review team on site

August 2018

Date of this report

21 September 2018

Most recent ERO report(s)

Private School Review
Private School Review
Private School Review

October 2013
August 2009
September 2006