Kristin School

Kristin School

Findings

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

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 -

a) has premises that are suitable, as described in clause 3, Schedule 7; and

b) usually provides tuition for 9 or more students who are of or over the age of 5 years but are under the age of 16 years [clause 2(b), Schedule 7); and

c) has staffing that is suitable to the age range and level of its students, the curriculum taught at the school, and the size of the school (clause 2(c), Schedule 7; and

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

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

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

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

h) 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)

The school’s managers have attested that they comply with the provisions as described in clause 6, Schedule 7 of the Education and Training Act 2020 in respect to their being fit and proper persons to manage the school.

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 Kristin 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.

Other Matters

Provision for international students

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

At the time of this review there were 46 international students attending the school, and no exchange students.

The school provides its international students with a high standard of education and pastoral care. A very good annual self review process informs planning and resourcing. The review includes evaluations from international students, teachers and support staff. Students have opportunities to involve themselves in a variety of learning areas and cultural celebrations.

Steve Tanner
Director Review and Improvement Services (Northern)
Northern Region - Te Tai Raki

20 May 2021

About the School

The Education Counts website provides further information about the school’s student population, student engagement and student achievement.

Kristin School - 14/08/2015

Findings

On the basis of the information obtained during the review, ERO considers that Kristin 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

Kristin School continues to meet the registration criteria as a private school as set out in the Education Act 1989. The school has suitable premises, staffing, and equipment. It provides high quality education and care for students in Years 1 to 13.

Kristin School is owned by the Kristin School Charitable Trust. It is governed by trustees and governors appointed from both the school and the wider community. The board is highly supportive of leaders, teachers and students, and committed to the realisation of the school vision. The school welcomes students from all cultures and backgrounds. Students flourish in the attractive and generously resourced learning environments.

Students experience success in a family-like atmosphere that balances academic, sporting and cultural activities. The school’s emphasis on preparing students to be responsible global citizens includes numerous aspects of service to the wider community. They benefit from a values-based curriculum underpinned by traditional Christian values.

Respectful relationships are evident at all levels of the school. Students and teachers have high expectations of themselves and each other. Students appreciate the ways teachers promote their learning and wellbeing. The comprehensive performance management system supports teachers to maintain a high level of professionalism, and enables them to inquire deeply into the effectiveness of their practice.

School leaders and staff have built a culture of teaching and learning that is responsive to students’ aspirations and needs. The specialised learning spaces and skilled staffing offer students diverse ways to explore ideas, perform and succeed in a wide variety of curriculum areas. Education outside the classroom (EOTC) is a strong feature of student learning.

The school curriculum is designed to develop confident achievers. It is based on a combination of The New Zealand Curriculum and the International Baccalaureate (IB) programmes. The school promotes a seamless IB programme consisting of the Primary Years Programme (PYP), the Middle Years Programme (MYP) and the two-year IB Diploma Programme (DP). The flexibility of the Senior School (Years 11 to 13) curriculum enables students to choose between the dual qualification of National Certificates of Achievement (NCEA), and IB. High levels of student achievement continue to be a feature of the school.

Ongoing self review and evaluation help to promote teaching and learning that is responsive to students’ interests, needs and abilities. Students have frequent input into decision making about the school curriculum and resourcing. Co-curricular events and activities complement a very broad academic school curriculum. Information and communication technologies (ICT) are well used to enhance student engagement in learning, both through Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) and the school’s commitment to resourcing digital and other technologies.

The school’s curriculum is well documented and shared with parents. Strategic staffing appointments enable teachers and leaders to make good use of individual expertise in leading and managing the school. The school has shown increased understanding of the importance of bicultural appreciation and implementation since ERO’s 2010 review. ERO and school leaders discussed the value of enhancing the school curriculum by deliberate strategic planning that enables students to develop deeper understandings about te ao Māori. Further opportunities for students to learn te reo Māori would complement the school’s commitment to promoting biculturalism.

The principal, appointed in February 2015, continues to build on the strong foundations that have been acknowledged in ERO’s previous reports. A recent external review has clearly identified new priorities for strategic planning. These priorities include a focus on consistency and continuity in student learning across the three schools, student wellbeing, effective communication and the implementation of a strategic ICT plan. Strong systems of reporting and accountability help to assure the board of the quality and effectiveness of school roles and responsibilities.

The school’s managers have attested that they comply with the provisions of section 35G in respect to their 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 Other Matters

Provision for international students

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

At the time of this review there were 73 international students attending the school, mainly from China and Korea.

The school provides its international students with a very high standard of education. It includes English language tuition. Students are warmly welcomed and enjoy many opportunities to participate in school activities and cultural celebrations. The school provides high quality pastoral care for international students and ensures that these students are well integrated into the life of the school.

5 Conclusion

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

Graham Randell
Deputy Chief Review Officer Northern (Acting)

14 August 2015

About the School 

Location

Albany, Auckland

Ministry of Education profile number

29

School type

Private Composite (Years 1 to 15)

School roll

1435

Number of international students

73

Gender composition

Boys      53%
Girls       47%

Ethnic composition

Māori
NZ European/Pākehā
Chinese
other European
other Asian
other

  1%
58%
18%
16%
  3%
  4%

Review team on site

June 2015

Date of this report

14 August 2015

Most recent ERO report(s)

Private School Review
Private School Review
Private School Review

December 2010
September 2007
October 2004