Highlands Intermediate

Highlands Intermediate

Te Ara Huarau | School Profile Report

Background

This Profile Report was written within 6 months of the Education Review Office and Highlands Intermediate 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 

Highlands Intermediate is a co-educational intermediate school located in New Plymouth, Taranaki. It caters for learners in years 7 and 8.

Highlands Intermediate’s strategic priorities for improving outcomes for learners are:

  • ensuring a responsive curriculum, effective teaching, and quality opportunities to learn

  • ensuring a teaching team that are building their professional capability and collective capacity

  • promoting powerful connections and relationships with parents and whānau

  • ensuring effective leadership is a characteristic across the school and is focused on student outcomes that are equitable and where excellence is expected.

You can find a copy of the school’s strategic and annual plan on Highlands Intermediate’s website.

ERO and the school are working together to evaluate how well learners respond to new ways of teaching and learning mathematics.

The rationale for selecting this evaluation is:

  • it is timely to investigate how mathematics can be further improved

  • the school wants to evaluate new ways of teaching and learning mathematics that improve valued outcomes

  • alignment with the school’s strategic goals.

The school expects to see:

  • sustained or improved achievement and progress in mathematics for all learners

  • learners and teachers reporting improved outcomes in engagement

  • culturally responsive teaching practices that cater to a wide range of needs in engaging ways

  • reciprocal and learning centred relationships with whānau that support improved learner outcomes.

Strengths

The school can draw from the following strengths to support its goal to evaluate how well learners respond to new ways of teaching and learning mathematics.

  • embedded systems and processes to track the achievement and progress of all learners

  • appropriate internal and external expertise already in place to support this work

  • a school environment that increasingly responds to learners in relational and culturally responsive ways

  • an established inquiry model that can be used to evaluate success.

Where to next?

Moving forward, the school will prioritise:

  • using internal and external expertise to support teacher inquiry and professional learning in mathematics

  • finding ways to enrich mathematics experiences that deepens learning

  • increasing the scrutiny of learning evidence to ensure a more responsive experience for all learners in mathematics

  • using established systems to monitor valued learner outcomes.

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 Schools

 28 April 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

Highlands Intermediate

Board Assurance with Regulatory and Legislative Requirements Report 2022 to 2025

As of November 2022, the Highlands Intermediate, School Board 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 Highlands Intermediate, School Board.

The next School Board 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 Schools

 28 April 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

Highlands Intermediate

Provision for International Students Report

Background

The Education Review Office reviews schools that are signatories to the Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice 2021 established under section 534 of the Education and Training Act 2020.

Findings

The school is a signatory to the Education (Pastoral Care of International Students) Code of Practice 2016 established under section 534 of the Education and Training Act 2020. The school has attested that it complies with all aspects of the Code.

No international students were enrolled at the time of the ERO review.

Shelley Booysen
Director Schools

 28 April 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

Highlands Intermediate - 26/08/2019

School Context

Highlands Intermediate, New Plymouth, provides education for students in Years 7 and 8. At the time of this ERO review there were 703 students attending, 19% of whom identify as Māori. The school is organised into four teaching teams. In addition, a team of teachers provide specialist teaching in technology, visual and performing arts and science.

The school’s recently reviewed values of Respect - Manaakitanga, Responsibility - Kaitiakitanga, and Leadership - Rangatiratanga underpin the school curriculum.

The school describes its valued outcomes for students as – a broad and balanced set of outcomes that are relevant to each individual student, and to the society they are part of.

Current goals and targets for improvement in student outcomes are to provide a responsive curriculum through effective teaching and quality opportunities to learn (ako), accelerate the progress of targeted students in reading and mathematics and raise achievement in writing, especially that of Māori boys.

Leaders and teachers regularly report to the board schoolwide information about outcomes for students in the following areas:

  • reading, writing and mathematics, with a specific focus on the progress of Māori and Pacific students in writing
  • attendance, engagement and wellbeing.

There have been several changes in staffing, including appointment of three team leaders, since the July 2015 ERO review. A new board of trustees was recently elected.

Evaluation Findings

1 Equity and excellence – achievement of valued outcomes for students

1.1 How well is the school achieving equitable and excellent outcomes for all its students?

The school consistently achieves excellent outcomes for the large majority of students in reading, writing and mathematics.

Girls consistently achieve better than boys in writing. There is an ongoing disparity for Māori that is most significant in writing.

1.2 How well is the school accelerating learning for those Māori and other students who need this?

Recently introduced teaching strategies and programmes are beginning to impact positively on the learning of Māori and other students whose learning requires acceleration. Accelerated progress in writing and mathematics during 2018 is evident in for many students, including Māori.

Trustees identify specific groups and the raising of Māori achievement in the school’s 2019 targets. However leaders are not currently specifically tracking and reporting the progress of those students whose achievement requires acceleration. 

2 School conditions for equity and excellence – processes and practices

2.1 What school processes and practices are effective in enabling achievement of equity and excellence, and acceleration of learning?

The leadership team is improvement focused and work collaboratively to promote consistency and to progress school targets. There is a schoolwide focus on equity, excellence and improved outcomes across the curriculum. Specific actions have been taken to reduce disparity and to raise overall achievement.

Leaders set high expectations for participation and achievement. Students are encouraged to actively participate in academic programmes. They have opportunities to join in a wide range of additional enrichment experiences that include the arts, culture, sports, service and leadership. A focus on students’ language, culture and identity is evident. Te reo Māori is now explicitly taught to all classes. An award system, introduced in 2017, provides opportunities for all students to have their achievements and efforts recognised.

There is an appropriate focus on student wellbeing. This includes weekly meetings and identification of specific actions to assist individual students. The introduction of consistent student management strategies in 2017 further support a focus on learning and wellbeing throughout the school.

Leaders and teachers have strengthened their use of assessment tools to inform teaching and to show achievement and progress in literacy and mathematics. Improved moderation practices have resulted in more reliable and accurate assessment information. Students who are at the risk of underachievement are identified and provided with additional support, intended to improve outcomes. Overall achievement is well tracked and monitored. Teachers are increasingly using data to respond to students' individual learning needs.

Leaders are collaborative and operate with clear and complementary roles and responsibilities. They are systematic in their overview of school operations and performance. They have a deliberate and planned approach to change. They trial and evaluate identified changes and then systematically implement these once value is proven.

There is an ongoing focus on supporting teachers to build capability and improve their practice. The current focus is on changing the approach to the teaching of writing and mathematics and growing teacher understanding about student wellbeing. All staff have access to a range of whole school professional development which is linked to priorities for school improvement. A useful appraisal process is in place that has the potential to support improved teacher practice. Teachers are strengthening their understanding and inquiring into the effectiveness of their practice.

2.2 What further developments are needed in school processes and practices for achievement of equity and excellence, and acceleration of learning?

Leaders demonstrate a clear understanding of the importance and process of internal evaluation. A framework for policy review in place and followed. Useful evaluations inform and guide changes to schoolwide practices. Through its internal evaluation processes school leaders have identified a need to:

  • continue implementation of curriculum initiatives to further improve student achievement in writing and mathematics
  • better track and report the progress of students at risk of lower achievement
  • continuing to seek ways to further involve parents, whānau and the community in their children’s learning and school activities.

ERO affirms these as appropriate areas for continued development.

3 Other Matters

Provision for international students

The school is a signatory to theEducation (Pastoral Care of International Students) Code of Practice 2016established under section 238F of the Education Act 1989. The school has attested that it complies with all aspects of the Code.

No international students were enrolled at the time of the ERO review.

4 Board Assurance on Legal Requirements

Before the review, the board 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
  • finance
  • 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 and certification
  • processes for appointing staff
  • stand down, suspension, expulsion and exclusion of students
  • attendance
  • school policies in relation to meeting the requirements of the Vulnerable Children Act 2014.

5 ERO’s Overall Judgement

On the basis of the findings of this review, ERO’s overall evaluation judgement of Highlands Intermediate’s performance in achieving valued outcomes for its students is: Well placed.

ERO’s Framework: Overall School Performance is available on ERO’s website.

6 Going forward

Key strengths of the school

For sustained improvement and future learner success, the school can draw on existing strengths in:

  • leadership that is collaborative and improvement focused
  • curriculum that offers students a wide range of opportunities to learn and succeed
  • teacher development that improves teachers’ abilities to support student achievement and wellbeing.

Next steps

For sustained improvement and future learner success, priorities for further development are in:

  • implementing curriculum initiatives to further improve student achievement
  • better track and report the progress of students at risk of lower achievement
  • continuing to seek ways to further involve parents, whanau and the community in the school.

Phil Cowie

Director Review and Improvement Services Central

Central Region

26 August 2019

About the school

Location

New Plymouth

Ministry of Education profile number

2172

School type

Intermediate (Years 7 and 8)

School roll

703

Gender composition

Male 51%, Female 49%

Ethnic composition

Māori 19%
NZ European/Pākehā 80%
Pacific 1%

Students with Ongoing Resourcing Funding (ORS)

Yes

Provision of Māori medium education

No

Review team on site

June 2019

Date of this report

26 August 2019

Most recent ERO report(s)

Education Review July 2015
Education Review June 2012

Highlands Intermediate - 02/07/2015

Findings

Highlands Intermediate is a positive place for students. A wide range of curriculum experiences ensures they are well engaged in the life of the school. Many achieve well in literacy and mathematics. Raising Māori students' achievement in writing is a priority. The board of trustees and principal govern and manage the school effectively.

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

1 Context

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

Highlands Intermediate, in New Plymouth, caters for students in Years 7 and 8 who come from many different contributing schools. Currently, 640 students are enrolled, and 19% identify as Māori and 1% as Pacific. The school has an enrolment scheme.

The school is very welcoming to students and adults. It has a positive atmosphere and student wellbeing is suitably considered. An inclusive culture enhances students' participation in the curriculum. A merit system encompasses academic, cultural, arts and sports participation, and reinforces success and achievement.

Changes have occurred in staffing since the June 2012 ERO report, including the appointment of a new principal at the beginning of 2015.

ERO’s 2012 report noted important strengths that have been sustained. Some areas identified for further development remain to be fully addressed.

2 Learning

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

School personnel continue to strengthen the use of assessment information for teaching, learning and to inform self review.

Reported achievement information at the end of 2014 identified that most students achieved in relation to the National Standard in reading with many achieving the Standard in writing and mathematics. School leaders and trustees recognise that raising the achievement levels of Māori learners, especially boys in writing, is a priority for 2015.

In response to reported data the principal, teachers and trustees have developed an achievement target to accelerate the progress of students in writing. Planned actions are well considered. They seek to strengthen the school’s response to identified learners through the provision of learning support, implementation of a boys’ writing programme, better use of data for teaching, and participation in specific professional learning and development (PLD) for teachers.

Achievement information is gathered and reported separately for the small number of Pacific learners enrolled. Students receive learning support to increase rates of progress, including participation in an English for Speakers of Other Languages programme.

Teachers access a wide range of data to determine students' achievement and monitor their progress. Individuals with similar learning needs are grouped in class and across teams. Teachers continue to develop their abilities to engage students in the learning process by sharing the focus of learning and individual next steps.

Parents receive appropriate information during the year to support their understanding of their child’s progress and achievement. Reports are well referenced to the National Standards. Engagement in school initiated events provides students with opportunities to share the outcome of their learning with parents.

During the review ERO, the principal and leaders identified areas for consideration to further develop the use of assessment information and strengthen learning outcomes. These included:

  • reviewing current assessment tools to ensure they are used to greatest effect in promoting student learning, achievement and review practice
  • continuing to work towards greater consistency in teachers’ use of assessment data in the classroom to match the needs of learners
  • extending the evaluative commentary in reports to trustees, to ensure the reports show the outcomes of actions undertaken to improve achievement
  • strengthening review and reporting for students receiving learning support.

3 Curriculum

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

Highlands Intermediate School’s curriculum suitably supports student learning and engagement.

The curriculum is designed to cater for the emerging needs of adolescents. Students access a wide range of academic, sporting, creative and language experiences. Individuals requiring extension participate in an appropriate range of additional experiences to extend their learning.

Student involvement in wider school activities is strongly encouraged. The spacious and wellappointed environment supports and promotes their learning. Covered spaces, a large swimming pool and multiple sports facilities ensure students are able to participate in wellplanned activities.

Students are given a number of opportunities to take on leadership roles. The school motto 'By our deeds we are known' and the vision statement of 'Leaders and learners for the future' are evident in school practice through the students’ actions.

Students access specialist teaching programmes to promote their design skills and practical learning experiences. Access to a laboratory supports scientific inquiry. The school plans to extend the use of this resource as part of students’ regular curriculum experience.

Transition into and beyond the school is well planned. Data informs placement in classes. Families, whānau and students have opportunities to visit the school prior to entry. This supports their familiarisation with the environment and sharing of school expectations.

Teachers know students well and have high expectations for their successful participation in class and the wider school. Classroom environments are well organised. Teaching is appropriately focused on the school priorities of literacy and mathematics. Contexts for learning are motivating. Many teachers build on students’ prior knowledge and prepare them well for new learning.

Involvement in writing PLD is planned in 2015, to promote a shared understanding of effective practice. Teachers set groups to target the learning needs of individuals. Teaching teams reflect on students’ progress. This assists teachers to consider strategies that work in accelerating the progress of individual learners.

Learning statements provide broad expectations for agreed teaching practice in the priority areas of literacy and mathematics. It is timely to review these statements so that all staff have a clear understanding of best practice and a basis to inquire into the success of their teaching.

Trustees provide significant resourcing to promote the inclusion, engagement and achievement of students identified with special and complex needs. Teacher aides assist learning in the classroom. Specific intervention supports individuals develop foundation literacy skills. External agencies and specialist services are accessed when required.

ERO, the principal and trustees agree that as they continue to develop the curriculum they should consider:

  • strengthening curriculum review to evaluate its impact on student achievement
  • reviewing the provision and effectiveness of learning support to ensure outcomes are maximised to the needs of individual students, parents and whānau
  • developing teachers’ ability to effectively inquire into their practice.

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

Māori students’ views are sought to affirm their participation in the curriculum. Students develop positive relationships with teachers and their peers. However, the curriculum requires further development to meaningfully include the cultural aspirations of Māori learners and their whānau. To strengthen practice, leaders and teachers should:

  • empower and resource leadership to plan, monitor and facilitate curriculum development
  • build reciprocal partnership with Māori whānau to include their cultural aspirations as part of the curriculum.
  • review and build teachers' capability to confidently respond to Māori students' culture, language and identity as part of their curriculum experience.

4 Sustainable Performance

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

The school is well placed to sustain and improve its performance.

The board governs capably. Trustees have clear roles and responsibilities and a range of skills that complement their school governance. They receive information through the principal and school leaders to inform their resourcing decisions. The board formally and informally gathers information from parents to reflect on their satisfaction with the school.

The principal demonstrates purposeful intent to build further on the existing solid foundation for students' learning and engagement. Planning is focused on improving the achievement of students historically underserved by the curriculum and strengthening curriculum review practice.

Team leaders are reflective and collaborative. They work well with teachers to share and discuss school expectations and facilitate purposeful reflection to improve outcomes for students. Teachers are highly collaborative. They take responsibility for curriculum leadership and suitably support school direction.

Appraisal of teachers has been strengthened recently. Goal setting is linked to changes in practice based on the needs of students whose progress requires acceleration. Teachers reflect and receive feedback aligned to indicators in the Registered Teacher Criteria.

Self review is purposeful and focused on improving student engagement, progress and achievement. Aspects of review consider student progress and achievement to inform recommendations for developing the curriculum.

To sustain current effective practice and continue to strengthen curriculum outcomes for students, parents and whānau, the principal, leaders and the board should:

  • develop expectations for leaders and align feedback related to their performance based on student achievement goals
  • strengthen self review and evaluation to promote sustainable practice and guide ongoing improvement.

Provision for international students

The school is a signatory to the Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students established under section 238F of the Education Act 1989. There are two international students enrolled at the time of the review.

The school has attested that it complies with all aspects of the Code.

ERO’s investigations confirmed that the school’s self-review process for international students is appropriate.

The school provides high levels of care to meet the pastoral needs of international students. Progress and achievement is well monitored and access to learning support is provided when required. The students are well integrated into the school.

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.

In order to improve current practice, the board of trustees should:

  • in consultation with the school's Māori community, develop and make known to the school's community policies, plans and targets for improving the achievement of Māori students.

[National Administration Guidelines – Section 1 (5)]

Conclusion

Highlands Intermediate is a positive place for students. A wide range of curriculum experiences ensures they are well engaged in the life of the school. Many achieve well in literacy and mathematics. Raising Māori students' achievement in writing is a priority. The board of trustees and principal govern and manage the school effectively.

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

Joyce Gebbie Deputy Chief Review Officer Central

2 July 2015

About the School

Location

New Plymouth

Ministry of Education profile number

2172

School type

Intermediate (Years 7 to 8)

School roll

640

Number of international students

2

Gender composition

Male 52%, Female 48%

Ethnic composition

Māori

Pākehā

Pacific

Other ethnic groups

19%

67%

1%

13%

Review team on site

May 2015

Date of this report

2 July 2015

Most recent ERO report(s)

Education Review
Education Review
Education Review

June 2012
January 2009
August 2005