Central School Te Kura Waenga O Ngāmotu

Central School Te Kura Waenga o Ngāmotu

Te Ara Huarau | School Profile Report

Background

This Profile Report was written within 18 months of the Education Review Office and Central School Te Kura Waenga o Ngāmotu working in Te Ara Huarau, an improvement evaluation approach used in most English Medium State and State Integrated Schools. For more information about Te Ara Huarau see ERO’s website. www.ero.govt.nz

Context 

Central School Te Kura Waenga o Ngāmotu, located in central New Plymouth, caters for students in Years 1 to 6. The school provides one class offering bilingual education for learners in Years 3 to 4.

Central School Te Kura Waenga o Ngāmotu, strategic priorities for improving outcomes for learners are:

  • to achieve equitable opportunities and excellent outcomes for all students

  • to grow creative thinking with learners able to express themselves in multiple ways according to their talents and personal strengths, translating confidence and skills from one skill set to another

  • to support future focused learners who can identify innovative solutions to problems

  • for Hahau te Reo to continue to thrive and for all learners to demonstrate confidence in te ao Māori

  • to celebrate and embrace all learners from all cultures, gifted and talented, learners with differing physical abilities and ensure they and their whānau feel welcomed and included

  • to foster manaakitanga, care and respect for each other, in an environment that teachers, students, and staff enjoy working and learning together.

You can request a copy of the school’s strategic and annual plan from Central School Te Kura Waenga o Ngāmotu.

ERO and the school are working together to evaluate how well delivery of the integrated curriculum achieves equitable and excellent outcomes for all learners.

The rationale for selecting this evaluation is:

  • over several years leaders have engaged with students, teachers, parents, whānau and iwi to design and document their integrated curriculum. ERO and the school will work in partnership to gain evaluative insights into the delivery of their curriculum and determine the impact on achieving equitable and excellent outcomes for learners.

The school expects to see:

  • equity and excellence for learners and accelerated progress for students working toward curriculum expectations in reading, writing and mathematics

  • school conditions that achieve the expectations of Ako Ahau, demonstrating the values, skills, knowledge, and dispositions desired for learners, through their engagement in the integrated curriculum

  • culturally responsive practice that achieves the conditions for learners to thrive and demonstrate confidence in Mātauranga Māori

  • effective professional capability and practice of teachers and staff to achieve successful outcomes for learners through participation in the integrated curriculum.

Strengths 

The school can draw from the following strengths to support its goal to achieve equity and excellence for learners through delivery of their integrated curriculum:

  • leaders collaboratively guide relevant changes and improvements aligned to the schools agreed strategic goals and priorities

  • established reciprocal learning partnerships that are actively involved in design, delivery, and evaluation of the school curriculum

  • the documented curriculum provides clear expectations to guide teaching and learning and provides a basis to support the gathering of evidence to inform evaluation insights.

Where to next?

Moving forward, the school will prioritise:

  • further engagement of teachers in relevant professional learning and development and sharing of practice to facilitate the successful delivery of the schools integrated curriculum

  • gathering information from stakeholders, parents, staff and whānau to inform evaluation insights into the impact of the integrated curriculum on achieving equitable and excellent outcomes for all learners.

ERO’s role will be to support the school in its evaluation for improvement cycle to improve outcomes for all learners. ERO will support the school in reporting their progress to the community. The next public report on ERO’s website will be a Te Ara Huarau | School Evaluation Report and is due within three years.

Shelley Booysen
Director of Schools

29 May 2023 

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

Central School Te Kura Waenga o Ngāmotu

Board Assurance with Regulatory and Legislative Requirements Report 2022 to 2025

As of September 2022, the Central School Te Kura Waenga o Ngāmotu Board of Trustees has attested to the following regulatory and legislative requirements:

Board Administration

Yes

Curriculum

Yes

Management of Health, Safety and Welfare

Yes

Personnel Management

Yes

Finance

Yes

Assets

Yes

Further Information

For further information please contact Central School Te Kura Waenga o Ngāmotu Board of Trustees.

The next Board of Trustees assurance that it is meeting regulatory and legislative requirements will be reported, along with the Te Ara Huarau | School Evaluation Report, within three years.

Information on ERO’s role and process in this review can be found on the Education Review Office website.

Shelley Booysen
Director of Schools

29 May 2023 

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

Central School - 24/08/2016

1 Context

Central School, Te Kura Waenga o Ngāmotu, in New Plymouth, caters for students in Years 1 to 6.
It has a roll of 325 students with over 60 identifying as Māori. Significant roll growth, 50% since the April 2013 ERO report, has required a redesign of some facilities and spaces to cater for extra classes. Significant and increasing numbers of English language learners are enrolled in the school.

Several teaching and leadership changes have occurred, with a second full-time associate principal position established from 2016 in response to roll growth. Teaching staff reflect the ethnic diversity in the school. Teachers have been involved in a wide range of both school-funded and Ministry of Education sponsored professional learning and development (PLD) programmes. This PLD supports implementation of improved programmes to cater for the increasingly diverse groups on the school roll.

2 Equity and excellence

The school vision is to be an innovative learning community striving for excellence. The P.R.I.D.E. values of personal excellence, respect, integrity, diversity and equity are woven into the life of the school. The school aims to support Year 6 school leavers to be learners who build positive relationships, are creative, resilient, take risks and know how to learn and achieve.

The school's achievement information over the past three years shows steady improvement in the rates of student progress, particularly in mathematics and writing. In 2015, most students achieved at or above expectations in relation to National Standards in reading, writing and mathematics. Māori students’ achievement as a group has improved markedly over the past two years in all areas and is at similar levels to their peers in mathematics and writing.

Leaders, trustees and teachers continue to focus on strategies and programmes aimed at further reducing disparity between boys and girls in literacy and mathematics. A robust assessment framework and process involving teachers and leaders, assists the school to make consistent and reliable judgements about students' learning and ongoing needs.

Since the previous ERO evaluation, leaders have focused on providing an increasing range of interventions and support programmes to address inequity. These are designed to address the identified, specific wellbeing, learning, and development needs of diverse groups of children.

Teachers have undertaken PLD to further develop their teaching and assessment practices, particularly in the areas of special needs, eLearning strategies, mathematics and literacy. 

3 Accelerating achievement

How effectively does this school respond to Māori children whose learning and achievement need acceleration?

The school is highly effective in responding to the learning needs, interests and cultural identity of Māori learners. Strategic goals prioritise accelerating achievement and include specific targets for Māori students.  

Systematic identification of the learning and wellbeing needs and strengths of individuals inform class placements and targeted intervention for those students at risk of underachieving. Close monitoring of the progress of individual students, supports ongoing improvement. As a result of school practices, a large number of Māori students are further engaged in learning. Their progress has accelerated, especially in mathematics and writing, over the past two years. They now achieve at similar rates to their peers.

Students learn in an inclusive environment where their culture and perspectives are valued and promoted throughout the school. Initiatives such as the Te Ao Marama programme and promotion of bicultural perspectives enable Māori learners to see their culture affirmed and promote their success as Māori.

Increased levels of learning-centred partnerships with whānau, support parent involvement in their children's learning. These partnerships are promoted through regular teacher communications, consultation in whānau hui and noho marae. During 2015 and 2016, all staff have participated in He Papa Tikanga Level 3 qualifications, to support the school's commitment to promoting tikanga Māori.

How effectively does this school respond to other learners whose learning and achievement need accelerating?

School leaders and teachers are highly responsive to other learners whose learning and achievement need acceleration. They know these students very well and use a wide range of information to develop classroom programmes and strategies that cater for diverse needs.

Students' progress and achievement levels are tracked. Teaching teams plan and review collaboratively. Detailed assessment data informs annual and term targets and is used to regularly monitor students' progress during the year. Analysis of targeted, junior students' reading data at mid-2016, shows most students had accelerated their progress, so that over 80% are achieving at or above expected levels.

A wide range of tailored support programmes and resources are provided in addition to purposeful in-class support. Initiatives include innovative programmes for English language learners, junior literacy and mathematics interventions and learning support and transition programmes. The school's 2014 and 2015 data shows that the small group of Pacific students' achievement has improved, especially in writing and mathematics, where it is similar to or better than their peers.

Additional interventions catering for specific individual needs and interests use physical activity, music, arts and home language contexts to contribute to improved rates of progress. As a result, students with additional or high learning needs are well supported to make progress and gain success.

4 School conditions

How effectively do the school’s curriculum and other organisational processes and practices develop and enact the school’s vision, values, goals and targets for equity and excellence?

Central School’s curriculum processes and practices are highly effective in developing and enacting the vision, values, goals and priorities for equity and excellence

Students experience a coherent, rich and inclusive curriculum that is very responsive to diverse needs, interests and abilities. There is a wide range of opportunities to use: inquiry; follow interests; and extend thinking with the arts, te ao Māori and eLearning integrated into literacy, languages, mathematics and science programmes.  

Teachers have recently reviewed and developed shared expectations and guidelines for a coherent and flexible approach to teaching literacy and mathematics. Matrices provided to learners allows them to self-assess and monitor their progress.

Further development of formative assessment and extending culturally responsive practice in all classrooms should support initiatives to further increase engagement and raise achievement. 

Leaders pursue equity and excellence and are effective in promoting strategies to implement the school vision. They lead by example, delegate well and encourage collaboration at all levels. Mentoring and coaching practices provide effective support for teachers new to their roles or the school.

A strong culture of innovation and future-focused problem solving underpins the school's approach to building capacity for ongoing improvement. A coherent approach to developing teachers’ capability is well aligned to strategic priorities and students’ needs and potential.  Teachers participate in a wide range of relevant PLD programmes and inquiries that build their knowledge and are closely aligned to strategic goals and the school performance enhancement framework.

A developing appraisal system provides increased opportunities to share evidence and feedback on professional practice. Further refinement of appraisal, including more specific goals, the continued development of cultural competencies and greater use of evaluative questions and feedback, should strengthen the performance enhancement framework.

Leaders and teachers make effective use of internal review, inquiry and knowledge building to inform practices, conditions and strategies for improving outcomes for students. Shared inquiries and critical reflection by teachers, into how well they respond to identified needs or challenges, extends collective capacity and knowledge.  

Sound governance is provided. Trustees bring a wide range of relevant skills and experience to their roles. They are well informed and use achievement information to prioritise and monitor decisions and resourcing. The board aligns governance practices to the school's charter and values. As a result the curriculum is well resourced to enact the vision and achieve targets to accelerate student progress.  Trustees are in the process of using the New Zealand School Trustees Association's resource, Hautū - Māori cultural responsiveness self review tool for boards of trustees to assist community engagement and the board's cultural competence.

Robust systems and processes are in place to monitor and support students' health and wellbeing. The school has developed effective learning-centred relationships with whānau, families and the community. Increased emphasis on transitioning growing numbers of new students at all levels, underpins a caring and supportive learning culture with high expectations of success for all.

5 Going forward  

How well placed is the school to achieve and sustain equitable and excellent outcomes for all children?

The school is well placed to achieve and sustain equitable and excellent outcomes for all students. Effective practices and processes are in place to support accelerated progress for Māori, Pacific and other students below and well below expectations for National Standards.

Leaders and teachers:  

  • know the children whose learning and achievement need to be accelerated
  • respond effectively to the strengths, needs and interests of each child
  • regularly evaluate how well teaching is working for these children
  • act on what they know works well for each child
  • build teacher capability effectively to achieve equitable outcomes for all children
  • are well placed to achieve and sustain equitable and excellent outcomes for all children.

ERO is likely to carry out the next review in four-to-five years.

6 Board assurance on legal requirements

Before the review the board of trustees and principal of the school completed the ERO board assurance statement and Self Audit Checklists. In these documents they attested that they had taken all reasonable steps to meet their legislative obligations related to the following:

  • board administration
  • curriculum
  • management of health, safety and welfare
  • personnel management
  • asset management.

During the review, ERO checked the following items because they have a potentially high impact on student safety and wellbeing:

  • emotional safety of students (including prevention of bullying and sexual harassment)
  • physical safety of students
  • teacher registration
  • processes for appointing staff
  • stand down, suspensions, expulsions and exclusions
  • attendance
  • the school’s policy and procedures in relation to the application of the Vulnerable Children Act 2014 

7  Recommendation

ERO and leaders agree strengthening appraisal and use of evaluation should help sustain and continue to improve the many positive and innovative developments evident in the school.   

Joyce Gebbie
Deputy Chief Review Officer Central

24 August 2016

About the school 

Location

New Plymouth

Ministry of Education profile number

2160

School type

Contributing (Years 1 to 6)

School roll

325

Gender composition

Girls 52%, Boys 48%

Ethnic composition

Māori
Pākehā
Asian
Pacific
Other ethnic groups

18%
54%
10%
  2%
16%

Review team on site

June 2016

Date of this report

24 August 2016

Most recent ERO report(s)

Education Review
Education Review
Education Review

April 2013
March 2010
November 2006

Central School - 23/04/2013

1 Context

What are the important features of this school that have an impact on student learning?

Central School in New Plymouth caters for students in Years 1 to 6. It has a roll of 222 students and 15% identify as Māori. The school uses its location near the central business district to provide authentic contexts for student learning. A strong arts focus is evident. The positive school culture contributes to a productive environment for teaching and learning. The physical setting is well maintained.

Changes of staff at the beginning of 2013 include two members of the leadership team.

2 Learning

How well does this school use achievement information to make positive changes to learners’ engagement, progress and achievement?

Positive, respectful relationships between students and with teachers are evident. Students are taught to manage and develop ownership of their own learning and behaviour. Classrooms are busy, attractive, cooperative learning environments where students' work is valued.

Schoolwide data is analysed and reported to the board to inform target setting, resourcing, professional development and decision-making. At the end of 2012, the school reported that three quarters of all students were achieving at or above National Standards expectations in reading and mathematics and two thirds were at or above in writing. Māori students achieve similarly to their peers in reading, and lower in writing and mathematics. Implementing a writing target in 2012 has significantly lifted achievement, and development in this area is continuing.

Achievement data and progress is carefully monitored at syndicate level. Those students needing additional assistance are provided with support targeted to their needs. Students requiring extension are catered for through a variety of opportunities to explore their interests and expertise in stimulating programmes outside of the class.

Reports to parents are considered and informative. Parents value the suggestions of ways they can help their child’s learning at home.

The senior management team has identified the need to:

  • further develop student ownership of learning through the use of formative assessment practices
  • raise achievement in mathematics
  • strengthen the use of information and communication technologies in classrooms.

3 Curriculum

How effectively does this school’s curriculum promote and support student learning?

Central School’s curriculum is aligned with The New Zealand Curriculum. The vision for learning is clearly stated in the charter, strategic plan and graduate profile. Emphasis is placed on learning through the arts. Te reo me ngā tikanga Māori are valued. The school’s values, beliefs and guiding statements are revisited each year to ensure shared ownership and understanding. Although the overarching curriculum documents are in place, development of appropriate supporting documents, as part of the planned review process, is timely.

Expectations for effective teaching are clearly communicated. Educators demonstrate the belief that all students can achieve. Teachers provide groups of students with explicit instruction and exemplars of high quality work. Teaching strategies are responsive to identified student strengths and potential. Students are encouraged to set relevant learning goals. Programme planning is thorough and focused on catering for different student needs. Classroom routines are well established.

Inquiry learning is used to foster student competencies in questioning, information-gathering, processing and application. Teachers make good use of the school's location in deciding authentic contexts. Information and communication technologies are regularly used as learning tools.

Tikanga Māori is valued and celebrated. It is well integrated into school experiences. Students are given appropriate opportunities to take leadership roles and to grow their understanding of te ao Māori.

Collaborative, professional meetings effectively assist teachers to develop practices that promote learning and achievement. Teachers are guided by research and evidence from their reflections when modifying teaching. The leadership team supports development in using data more extensively for inquiring into practice.

How effectively does the school promote educational success for Māori, as Māori?

A well considered policy, with clear guidelines and purpose, emphasises Māori students succeeding as Māori. The principal leads this focus effectively and is continually finding alternative ways to enhance relationships with local iwi. Actions that help to promote a culturally responsive school community are the:

  • marae visits
  • introduction of a lead teacher and a schoolwide te reo Māori programme
  • staff professional development
  • whole school kapa haka.

The school takes a proactive stance to enhance opportunities for Māori success through a variety of strategies including whānau classes in te reo for Māori students to supplement regular lessons.

Emphasis is placed on partnership with whānau. Their involvement and contributions are actively sought. The board and staff are committed to continuing the development of stronger connections and engagement with local iwi.

4 Sustainable Performance

How well placed is the school to sustain and improve its performance?

Central School is well placed to sustain and improve its performance.

The board's focus is student achievement and wellbeing. Trustees use schoolwide information to assist with allocating resources to emerging priorities. The strategic plan, schoolwide targets and action plans are suitably aligned. Policies are reviewed and updated to provide effective guidance and support for school decision-making. Trustees have a sound knowledge of their roles and responsibilities. Succession planning and a well documented governance manual for guiding operation and meeting obligations are likely to support the smooth transition of new board members.

The board is committed to its bicultural goals. Recent community consultation has highlighted areas for development and this information is used to guide action.

A thorough principal appraisal process is focused on improvement. The teacher appraisal process is undergoing change to ensure greater alignment with school priorities.

School leaders are collaborative and future-focused. They appreciate the value of self review for informing school improvement. Teachers are reflective and engage with professional learning that is linked to the strategic goals. Next steps for school improvement are to develop shared understandings about self review and a review framework that will guide evaluation of the planned goals and promote consistency in this practice.

Board assurance on legal requirements

Before the review, the board of trustees and principal of the school completed the ERO Board Assurance Statement and Self-Audit Checklists. In these documents they attested that they had taken all reasonable steps to meet their legislative obligations related to:

  • board administration
  • curriculum
  • management of health, safety and welfare
  • personnel management
  • financial management
  • asset management.

During the review, ERO checked the following items because they have a potentially high impact on student achievement:

  • emotional safety of students (including prevention of bullying and sexual harassment)
  • physical safety of students
  • teacher registration
  • processes for appointing staff
  • stand-downs, suspensions, expulsions and exclusions
  • attendance.

To improve current practice, the board should, through the principal, ensure that each year the full appraisal cycle is completed for all teachers.

When is ERO likely to review the school again?

ERO is likely to carry out the next review in three years.Image removed.

Joyce Gebbie

National Manager Review Services

Central Region (Acting)

23 April 2013

About the School

Location

New Plymouth

Ministry of Education profile number

2160

School type

Contributing Primary (Years 1 to 6)

School roll

220

Gender composition

Male 52%

Female 48%

Ethnic composition

NZ European/Pākehā

Māori

Asian

Other European

Other ethnic groups

59%

15%

10%

9%

7%

Review team on site

February 2013

Date of this report

23 April 2013

Most recent ERO report(s)

Education Review

Education Review

Education Review

March 2010

November 2006

August 2003