Atea College

Findings

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

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 section 35C of the Education Act.

Section 35I of the Education Act 1989 requires the Education Review Office (ERO) to review private schools and to report to the Ministry of Education on whether each school continues to meet the criteria for registration. The schools are privately owned and the legislative requirements are significantly different to those for state and state-integrated schools. Private schools are not required to follow the National Education Goals or National Administration Guidelines.

What does apply in place of the legislation imposed upon state schools by the Education Act is the contract between the persons paying for the tuition of the child at the school – the parents – and the school authority. Those are matters between the parent and the school’s governing body. More information about ERO reviews of private schools can be found on ERO’s website www.ero.govt.nz/Reviews-Process.

The criteria for registration are that the school —

a) has premises that are suitable, as described in section 35D; 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; 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; and

d) has equipment that is suitable for the curriculum being delivered or to be delivered at the school; 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 section 35F; and
g) has managers who are fit and proper persons (as described in section 35G) to be managers of a private school.

2 Criteria for Registration

The school meets the curriculum criterion for registration. The curriculum applies a biblical world view to each subject. The school’s founding curriculum document In God’s World underpins the teaching programmes. Aspects of the Cambridge International curriculum are integrated into student learning and assessment. The curriculum is well communicated to parents. They are able to track their children’s progress and achievement closely. Careful consideration is given to ensuring senior students have appropriate learning pathways.

The school has suitable standards of tuition. Formal instructional teaching is the dominant mode of curriculum delivery. Teachers know their students well and students receive considerable amounts of individual attention. Classes are settled working environments. Students are well behaved and quickly develop a strong work ethic. Each class has several year levels and students readily develop the skills of working independently.

The school has suitable staffing for the size of school and curriculum taught. Four teachers, including the principal, are fully registered. A tutor responsible for delivering parts of the primary programme is supervised by registered teachers. The principal and teaching staff are well supported to continue their professional learning and development. The management of teacher performance is being formalised to include The New Zealand Teachers Council criteria for teacher registration and renewal of practising certificates.

The school has suitable equipment and premises for the delivery of the school’s curriculum and number of students at the school. A significant development is the expansion of information and communication technologies (ICT) to support teaching and learning programmes. The use of ICT by the school is enabling students, teachers and parents to communicate more easily and helps parents become more involved in the curriculum. The use of nearby community sports and recreation facilities supplements the school’s provision for physical activity.

The school’s managers have attested that they comply with the provisions of section 35G in respects to their being fit and proper persons to manage the school.

3 Other Statutory 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 four international students attend the school. Students are well cared for, and where applicable, their accommodation is closely monitored. Students’ academic progress and achievement is well monitored and shared with students, parents and caregivers. Learning pathways are planned to prepare students for their tertiary studies. International students are well integrated into the school community.

Conclusion

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

Dale Bailey

National Manager Review Services

Northern Region

11 April 2014

About the School