Naenae College

Naenae College

Te Ara Huarau | School Profile Report

Background

This Profile Report was written within 26 months of the Education Review Office and Naenae College 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 

Naenae College is a co-educational secondary school for students in Yr 9 to 13 located in Lower Hutt. The school has a diverse school roll. The school’s vision for learners is that they will be confident and connected and on a pathway to meaningful life-long learning. The school promotes its Te Whānau Tahi values of whanaungatanga (healthy relationships); rangatiratanga (encouraging leadership), pumanawatanga (positive safe atmosphere where students work with enthusiasm and commitment); manaakitanga (care for others) and kotahitanga (working together to achieve goals).

The school is a managing school for the Lyriks Activity Centre, an alternative education and activity centre, and operates an engineering trades academy and service academy. The school also has a specialist classroom for students receiving ongoing resourcing funding (Te Whare ō te Atawhai).

Naenae College’s strategic priorities for improving outcomes for learners are:

  • all students will progress and achieve to their highest educational potential through quality teaching and learning, safe environments and positive relationships

  • Māori students will enjoy and achieve educational success as Māori students, staff, whānau, Pacific āiga and community experience a sense of belonging through the enactment of the school’s Te Whānau Tahi values.

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

ERO and the school are working together to evaluate how well the school’s Te Whānau Tahi values are promoting student engagement and attendance and supporting positive wellbeing and learning outcomes for students.

The rationale for selecting this evaluation is:

  • the school recognises attendance and engagement is the foundation for success in learning

  • the school has noticed reduced retention, attendance and engagement, particularly post the Covid 19 pandemic and wants to positively re-engage learners

  • the school is re-establishing partnerships with families, whānau and Pacific āiga to support positive outcomes for students

  • there is a national and regional focus on attendance and engagement.

The school expects to see:

  • improved attendance and retention for all groups of students leading to improved achievement

  • students experience a sense of belonging and shared values and are proud in their identity

  • whānau, families and Pacific āiga feel a sense of belonging and connection to the school where their voices are heard and valued.

Strengths

The school can draw from the following strengths to support the school in its goal to improve engagement and achievement:

  • an inclusive school culture based on the school’s Te Whānau Tahi values that includes restorative approaches to maintaining positive relationships

  • increasingly culturally responsive curriculum and teaching practice that reflects the identities of students

  • well established pastoral structures and roles support student wellbeing and engagement

  • collaboration with local schools with a focus on improving attendance and engagement.

Where to next?

Moving forward, the school will prioritise:

  • strengthening structures and approaches to supporting student wellbeing

  • strengthening partnerships with families, whānau and Pacific āiga

  • partnerships with community services and agencies to meet the needs of students and their families

  • drawing on student voice to know about the effectiveness of programmes and approaches

  • culturally responsive, relevant and engaging curriculum and teaching practices.

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

26 July 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

 

Naenae College

Board Assurance with Regulatory and Legislative Requirements Report 2023 to 2026

As of April 2023, the Naenae College 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

Actions for Compliance

ERO has identified the following areas of non-compliance during the board assurance process:

  • Keep accurate records about each aspect of the safety checking process

[Children’s Act 2014].

The board has since taken steps to address the areas of non-compliance identified.

Further Information

For further information please contact Naenae College, 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 of Schools

26 July 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

Naenae College - 16/11/2016

Findings

Naenae College makes a positive difference to students' achievement as they progress through the school. The curriculum reflects the needs, interests and aspirations of students and the community. The college is well led and soundly governed. Strengthening internal evaluation should further add to the college's knowledge about the effectiveness of its curriculum.

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?

Naenae College is a co-educational secondary school in Lower Hutt for students in Years 9 to 13. Of the 711 students enrolled, 31% are Māori and 24% Pacific. The college currently enrols 30 adult education students, 20 students in an alternative education programme and 20 in a service academy.

‘Big Picture Schooling’ is the overarching concept developed to articulate the college's curriculum. Three concepts underpin this vision linked to the head, heart and hands, encompassing achievement, shared values and contribution. The college demonstrates an inclusive and open environment underpinned by positive and reciprocal relationships.

The college is involved in a Ministry of Education initiative aimed at Māori enjoying and achieving success as Māori. Kia Eke Panuku is in its third year of implementation and is focused on building culturally responsive curriculum, leadership and teacher practice.

The final phase of Positive Behaviour for Learning (PB4L) was concluded at the end of 2015. The principles of this initiative are demonstrated through the college's shared values.

Since the 2013 ERO review, there have been changes in staffing at senior leadership and governance level.

2 Learning

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

The achievement profile for students on entry at Year 9 shows many require their progress to be accelerated to meet curriculum level expectations. Data gathered overtime shows the school makes a positive contribution to students’ achievement.

Between 2012 and 2014 the proportion of students achieving National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA), Level 2 reflected results for similar schools nationally. Qualifications gained by Pacific students have steadily increased at NCEA Levels 1 and 2. As a priority, leaders, teachers and trustees continue to focus on raising the retention rates and qualifications of Māori students.

NCEA achievement declined in 2015 compared to previous years. The college has investigated the reasons for this, especially at NCEA Level 1, and implemented mentoring strategies to strengthen the achievement of students in Year 12.

Schoolwide achievement targets align to the national education priority for students to attain a minimum of NCEA Level 2. Leaders intend to develop greater alignment between the college's strategic priorities, annual planning and achievement targets. Setting achievement targets in curriculum faculties is a useful consideration. This should provide a basis to target the achievement of priority learners and strengthen evaluation.

Learning Advisory Roopu classes are a feature of the school day. In these classes students receive mentoring and guidance, and the college values are promoted. Learning advisory teachers establish vital links with parents, families and whānau.

Leaders recognise the importance of the learning advisory role in promoting positive outcomes for students, parents, whānau and families. In 2016, they have identified the need to strengthen the consistency of the learning advisory programme. Evaluating the impact of this initiative to gain a greater understanding of effective practice should further enhance the learning advisory role of teachers.

Parents, families and whānau receive useful information to support their knowledge of their child’s achievement. Written reports, access to digital information and learning conferences are supporting a shared understanding of student achievement, progress and participation at school.

Trustees receive useful information throughout the year to support their understanding of the college's priorities. Achievement, attendance and operational information is reported to the board with commentary highlighting important features. Information is appropriate in establishing college priorities and reviewing progress toward identified goals.

3 Curriculum

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

The design of the Naenae College curriculum is well considered and reflects the diverse needs, interests and aspirations of students.

Students participate in a variety of academic, creative and practical subjects. The junior curriculum appropriately prioritises literacy and numeracy. A wide range of language options, including te reo Māori and Samoan is available to students from Year 9 to Year 13.

Project-based inquiry learning, introduced first at Year 9, has shown a positive impact on teaching and student engagement. Students investigate a learning area of interest to them for up to five weeks in one term during the year. The aim is to facilitate students' active involvement in learning. Information is gathered for leaders and teachers to reflect on outcomes and consider future design of the programme. Recognising the benefits to student learning, the project-based approach has been extended to Year 10 students in 2016.

Students receive appropriate access to health services, guidance and careers information. Useful links with community networks ensure a comprehensive response to addressing needs. Pastoral and guidance staff effectively monitor the needs of individuals. Career information is well aligned to students' pathways and aspirations.

Student leadership is valued and promoted. Individuals actively undertake leadership roles and are able to give their views about many aspects of school operation. Information from students shows they feel positive about their school.

Improving student attendance is an ongoing priority for the college. Attendance is appropriately tracked, monitored and reported. The link between attendance and achievement is reinforced. The design of the curriculum, extensive pastoral systems, and other initiatives promote positive relationships with parents, whānau and students to support regular attendance.

School leaders know teachers strengths and the areas of practice that require development. Staff have developed clear expectations for teaching and learning. Generally, teachers develop purposeful relationships with students, encouraging a positive tone in the classroom. In many classes, teachers use a range of considered strategies to promote students' engagement in learning. Developing consistency of practice is ongoing and priorities are well aligned to the focus of professional learning and development.

Expectations for teacher appraisal are comprehensive and clearly documented. Appropriate links are made to the Practising Teacher Criteria and teachers are encouraged to reflect on their practice. Aspects likely to strengthen the implementation of the appraisal process include:

  • continuing to develop the quality of engagement in professional learning conversations between teachers, linked to school expectations about effective practice
  • strengthening teachers’ goal setting, and linking student achievement targets to the strategies teachers will use to add value to student learning and engagement.

School leaders are seeking to build teacher’s capability to inquire effectively into their practice. Some teachers and faculties have begun exploring this process and will be useful models as this practice is strengthened across the school.

Pacific students’ cultures, languages and identities are valued, acknowledged and celebrated. Leaders reflect on the curriculum provision of Pacific learners and promote partnerships with Pacific families and communities.

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

Naenae College leaders, trustees and staff show a commitment to strengthening outcomes for Māori students and their whānau.

Shared values promote an inclusive environment and encourage a strong sense of belonging for Māori learners. Their achievement, effort and participation are acknowledged and shared.

Kia Eke Panuku is in the third year of implementation. Leadership of this initiative is inclusive of staff across the college. The college purposefully reviews outcomes from this initiative to determine improved practice and establish next steps for implementation.

4 Sustainable Performance

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

Naenae College is well placed to sustain and continue to improve its performance through its:

  • clear operational governance structure, representative of the school and wider community
  • inclusive leadership practice which is focused on achieving the college's and community’s collective vision for student success
  • reflective and collaborative teaching and support staff
  • responsive pastoral care and guidance systems which promote student wellbeing
  • collaborative partnerships with local schools and community networks, including participation in a recently developed Community of Learning
  • initiatives designed to increase the involvement of parents and whānau in their child’s learning.

Naenae College has developed comprehensive guidelines, establishing priorities and providing clear expectations to support curriculum delivery. Frameworks promoting review and evaluation at the classroom and faculty level are established. These foundations provide a good basis to collectively strengthen evaluation knowledge and capability across the college.

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.

Conclusion

Naenae College makes a positive difference to students' achievement as they progress through the school. The curriculum reflects the needs, interests and aspirations of students and the community. The college is well led and soundly governed. Strengthening internal evaluation should further add to the college's knowledge about the effectiveness of its curriculum.

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

Joyce Gebbie

Deputy Chief Review Officer Central

16 November 2016

About the School

Location

Naenae

Ministry of Education profile number

259

School type

Secondary (Years 9 to 13)

School roll

711

Gender composition

Male 51%, Female 49%

Ethnic composition

Māori

Pākehā

Pacific

Asian

Other ethnic groups

31%

25%

24%

11%

9%

Special features

Special Needs Unit Adult ESOL Service Academy Alternative Education Centre

Review team on site

September 2016

Date of this report

16 November 2016

Most recent ERO report(s)

Education Review

Education Review

Education Review

November 2013

November 2010

September 2007


 

Naenae College - 12/11/2013

1 Context

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

Naenae College is a coeducational secondary school in the Hutt Valley, with 720 students in Years 9 to 13. The roll is ethnically diverse, including 30% of students who identify as Māori and 23% as Pacific. About one third of the students speak English as a second language. The college has substantial links with its local community, including contributing schools.

The school culture is characterised by high expectations. Trustees, senior leaders and staff are committed to sustaining a learning environment in which all students can succeed. The values associated with Te Whānau Tahi (united family) are well understood throughout the school community and enacted in its daily life. Students’ opinions and ideas are actively sought and responded to. Students have many opportunities to take authentic leadership roles with meaningful responsibilities.

Staff are in the third year of involvement in He Kākano, a school-based professional development programme with a focus on culturally responsive leadership and teaching. Progressive changes to the school curriculum are helping Māori learners enjoy educational success as Māori. These changes also demonstrate to all students that their cultures, languages and identities are respected and valued.

Strategic priorities are carefully considered by trustees and senior leaders in a context of continuing financial constraint. Decisions about prudent use of resources are firmly based on improving the learning and wellbeing of students. Since The November 2010 ERO report there has been ongoing property development, including upgraded science laboratories, a sprung floor in the gymnasium, and a new special needs unit. School leaders are exploring ways to further integrate information and communication technologies into teaching and learning.

The college's pastoral care network is well led and coordinated. Students’ wellbeing is closely monitored. A range of support services is provided within the school and by outside agencies. The school's health centre provides professional services to meet students’ physical and emotional needs.

2 Learning

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

The school makes good use of a comprehensive range of achievement data and other information to promote students’ engagement, progress and successful learning outcomes.

Learning Advisory Roopu (LARs) are an effective element in the drive to promote engagement and raise achievement schoolwide. These year level groups meet four days a week, led by a teacher as learning adviser. A structured LAR programme supports students in their learning, guides decisionmaking about appropriate education pathways for the future, and strengthens selfmanagement skills. Learning advisors develop trusting relationships with students, their parents, whānau and aiga. They use what they know about individual students to mentor and support them.

Teachers collate reports about each class for effective monitoring of students’ progress and achievement. These reports contribute to department leaders’ analysis of overall patterns and trends, and careful consideration of what needs to be done to address areas of student underachievement. Students at risk of not achieving are mentored and their progress is closely monitored. Department reports inform schoolwide analysis that is used by the board to guide planning and resource allocation.

Parents, whānau and aiga receive regular, clear and informative reports. These are about students’ progress, achievement and development of key competencies that support self management. The percentage of parents attending the academic conferencing evenings has increased significantly, indicating a good level of engagement with students’ learning.

The school’s constant focus on improving outcomes for students contributed to upward trends in achievement in the National Certificates of Educational Achievement (NCEAs) from 2009 to 2011. However, a drop in results occurred in 2012. Possible reasons for this were explored in depth, and robust responses implemented immediately.

The college's charter sets targets for raised NCEA and Māori achievement. Māori and Pacific students generally achieve less well in NCEA than their peers. The school continues to focus on these groups as a strategic priority. A range of targeted actions is designed to support improved outcomes. Senior leaders should continue to consider ways to help Pacific students to experience increased academic success.

The school uses information from contributing schools, together with its own assessments of Year 9 students, to place students in junior classes and share with teachers. Information about Year 9 and 10 students' progress is collated and used to develop differentiated programmes. Learning support classes and groups provide appropriate assistance for students needing additional tutoring in literacy and mathematics. Many priority learners make accelerated progress.

Senior leaders recognise that it is now timely to refocus on identifying and responding to the specific literacy and numeracy learning needs of students in Years 9 and 10. This is likely to strengthen teaching and learning in the junior school as the foundation for raised achievement schoolwide.

3 Curriculum

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

The college's curriculum is responsive to the complex and changing needs of its students. The curriculum effectively promotes learning pathways. Teaching and learning programmes are well aligned with The New Zealand Curriculum. Implementation is strongly supported by clear guiding documents and well-considered systems and structures.

The curriculum framework is firmly based on Te Whānau Tahi values and the ‘big picture schooling’ approach. These reflect three dimensions of learning and wellbeing: head, heart and hands. Staff demonstrate a shared understanding of and commitment to the ‘AREA’ goals - for attendance, retention, engagement and achievement. Learners benefit from the schoolwide emphasis on positive relationships.

Senior leaders and heads of department demonstrate an innovative, flexible approach to curriculum design. Classes are formed and new courses developed to cater for groups of students with particular needs and strengths. Significant student and teacher time is dedicated to extending and supporting student learning. This includes the daily 100 minute period and the 40 minute LARs.

The curriculum reflects the school’s community well. It is culturally responsive and uses relevant contexts to make learning meaningful for the diverse range of students. Bicultural and multicultural themes are embraced and celebrated. The school runs English language learning (ESOL) programmes for students, and for adults from the local community.

The school provides a range of good quality programmes and experiences for students with high learning needs. Some of these students receive individualised support in the special needs unit. Many are assisted to access the curriculum or specific programmes in mainstream classes. Learners with special learning needs participate fully in an inclusive school environment. They progress well socially, emotionally, culturally and academically.

A robust and well-coordinated career education and guidance programme supports students from Years 9 to 13 to make good decisions about their subjects. The senior curriculum caters flexibly for a broad range of student interests and strengths, from academic to vocational. Students gain qualifications in a variety of areas.

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

The school’s strong commitment to increasing success for Māori students as Māori is highly evident in daily practices, routines and interactions. Māori language, values and tikanga are well embedded. Key practices include:

  • identifying improved learning outcomes for Māori students as a strategic priority
  • incorporating aspects of te reo me ngā tikanga Māori into the curriculum
  • offering Māori performing arts as an option in Years 11 to 13
  • recognising and celebrating Māori achievement
  • providing positive role models to encourage high aspirations
  • giving prominence to Te Whānau Tahi as the basis for how people relate to each other
  • integrating the marae and kawa into the life of the school
  • supporting and valuing the successful kapa haka group
  • building links with iwi
  • promoting the holistic wellbeing of students
  • continuously engaging in reciprocal relationships with parents and whānau.

Māori students develop a sense of belonging in a calm and inclusive environment where their wairua is highly respected.

How well does the school promote success for Pacific students?

Pacific students benefit from the strong schoolwide focus on Te Whānau Tahi. The positive climate and genuine celebration of cultural diversity means that Pacific students know that their identity and values are recognised and respected. They are well engaged in the life of the school, participating successfully in sports and other activities. Most remain at school until they have completed Year 13.

Students can learn the Samoan language from Years 9 to 13. A Pacific studies course is offered at Year 12. The school engages Pacific parents and aiga through the annual Pacific careers evening. This includes information about NCEA and help with appropriate subject choices. The Samoan Parents’ Association works in partnership with the school to provide a homework centre.

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. Trustees are an experienced team with a strong commitment to the vision for the college. They have a highly supportive, collaborative relationship with the principal and senior leaders. Strategic and annual planning is based on evidence. Progress towards priority goals is reviewed and reported regularly.

Professional leadership is a significant strength of the college. The principal and senior managers work effectively as a team to steer the school on its path of continuous improvement. They recognise the importance of distributed leadership, and provide appropriate professional learning and development to middle managers.

Staff work together collegially and have contributed significantly to the positive changes in the school. Their commitment to ongoing improvement is demonstrated by their willingness to keep student outcomes at the centre of their vision.

The deliberate, well-considered focus on relationships has established a positive school climate that is highly evident in practice. It is underpinned by a set of shared values that are well understood throughout the school community.

Systems and procedures are clearly documented and regularly reviewed. Appraisal processes are useful and support sustained improvements in practice. Professional learning and development programmes assist the school, departments and individual teachers to move forward together.

Critical reflection and self review are firmly established as key to promoting ongoing school development. Senior leaders acknowledge the necessity of strong frameworks to evaluate the impact of key initiatives for students.

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.

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)

12 November 2013

About the School

Location

Lower Hutt

Ministry of Education profile number

259

School type

Secondary (Years 9 to 13)

School roll

720

Gender composition

Male 50%

Female 50%

Ethnic composition

Māori

NZ European/ Pākehā

Samoan

Asian

Other ethnic groups

30%

28%

14%

12%

16%

Special features

Special Needs Unit

Adult ESOL

Service Academy

Alternative Education Centre

Review team on site

September 2013

Date of this report

12 November 2013

Most recent ERO report(s)

Education Review

Education Review

Supplementary Review

November 2010

September 2007

May 2005