In this evaluation ERO reviewed the quality of senior secondary curriculum in 74 secondary and composite schools. The information was collected as part of school education reviews during Terms 2 and 3 of 2012. These schools from across New Zealand represented a variety of deciles and sizes, ranging from schools based in main urban centres through to some in small rural settlements (see Appendix 2).
The overarching question ERO sought to answer was – “How well are secondary schools preparing their students for their future education, training and employment?” The evaluation covered the following aspects.
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Philosophy |
The school’s overall approach to senior secondary education focussed on ALL students achieving their potential. |
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Structures and Processes |
The courses, pathways and support structures for ALL students into and out of senior schooling. |
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Outcomes |
The success of student pathways into and out of senior schooling, with an emphasis on priority groups. |
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Outside the school gate |
Partnerships with iwi, business, tertiary providers and families. |
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Leadership |
Leadership’s impact on student pathways to education, training and employment. |
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Self-review |
The school’s analysis and use of data on its effectiveness in supporting students to develop career management competencies and their in-school and post-school pathways. |
These aspects are set out in more detail in the indicators ERO used to make judgements about each school’s responsiveness to their students’ future aspirations (see Appendix 1).
ERO used the indicators to make judgements about:
ERO reviewers also collected evidence to answer the following questions: