Huanui College

Education institution number:
620
School type:
Secondary (Year 7-15)
School gender:
Co-Educational
Definition:
Not Applicable
Total roll:
337
Telephone:
Address:

328 Ngunguru Road RD 3, Glenbervie, Whangarei

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Huanui College - 22/05/2019

Findings

On the basis of the information obtained during the review, ERO considers that Huanui 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 nine or more students who are of or over the age of five 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.

Huanui College is an independent, co-educational school located in Glenbervie, Whangarei. The school’s roll continues to grow and now has 270 students in Years 7 to 13. The school is managed by a board of appointed trustees, and in 2019 registered under the Huanui College Charitable Trust.

A new principal, appointed towards the end of 2018, is supported by the head of junior school. The principal and board are developing a strategic plan and reviewing the vision in consultation with the school’s community.

2 Criteria for Registration

Huanui College provides suitable premises, equipment, curriculum, staffing and tuition standards.

Students in Years 11 to 13 achieve qualifications through Cambridge International examinations (CIE). There is also the provision for them to gain the relevant Level 1 Numeracy and Level 2 literacy credits through National Certificates of Education Achievement (NCEA), to meet university entrance requirements. The school aims to provide a broad variety of senior options to cater for students’ interests.

The curriculum for students in Years 7 to 10 is guided by the Cambridge Middle Years programme and is designed to form the foundation for CIE in the senior years. It includes elements relevant to the Aotearoa New Zealand context. Te reo Māori and aspects of te ao Māori are integrated into school programmes and practices. The curriculum also incorporates the Positive Education programme designed to increase students’ resilience and confidence in undertaking CIE in the senior school. The school curriculum makes use of the rural setting. Students participate in farming-related programmes up to Year 11.

The principal is proactively leading an in-depth curriculum review to develop a shared understanding of school vision and values, curriculum priorities, and increasing coherence in learning through Years 7 to 13.

School data show that overall, senior students achieve well in CIE. These data also show that students in Years 7 to 10 achieve well and some make accelerated progress. Good systems are in place to identify and support students with additional learning needs. Student achievement and wellbeing data has been well used to inform programme planning. School leaders are keen to develop effective data analysis systems as part of stronger evidence-based practice that will enable the tracking and monitoring of trends and patterns in student progress and achievement over time.

Teachers promote a caring, inclusive environment. High levels of student engagement in learning are evident. Students appreciate and benefit from small class sizes. There are good examples of formative practices where teachers scaffold learning to enable students to understand how to progress independently and be successful.

Staffing is suitable for the ages of students at the school and to provide programmes in a variety of learning areas. Leaders should continue to refine the staff performance management system. This system should have a more robust approach to meaningful appraisal that focuses on outcomes for students, and meets all the requirements of the Teaching Council.

Classrooms are well equipped for the subjects currently taught, including subjects with practical aspects. Students have access to the school’s digital technologies, and senior students are able to use their own devices. The school is currently developing an Information Technology strategic plan to enable equity of access to digital devices, and enhance digitally-assisted learning.

The well-maintained school grounds offer students suitable recreational spaces for students of all ages. The 30-hectare school property currently provides farming and outdoor education opportunities. Leaders are aware of the need for robust risk analysis and management systems to ensure student safety in these areas.

The school’s managers have attested that they comply with the provisions of section 35G in respect to their being fit and proper person(s) to manage the school. They are reviewing policies and practices around meeting statutory obligations.

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 four international students attending the school. They experience and make good progress through effective teaching and learning programmes and personalised pastoral care. The director of international students is developing more robust systems of evaluation to assure the board of student progress, achievement and wellbeing.

Conclusion

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

Steve Tanner Director Review and Improvement Services Northern

Northern Region

22 May 2019

About the School

Location

Glenbervie, Whangarei

Ministry of Education profile number

620

School type

Secondary (Years 7 to 15)

School roll

269

Number of international students

5

Gender composition

Boys 55% Girls 45%

Ethnic composition

Māori
NZ European/Pākehā
Asian
other European
other ethnic groups

19%
61%
10%
8%
2%

Review team on site

March 2019

Date of this report

22 May 2019

Most recent ERO report(s)

Private School Review
Private School Review

June 2014
July 2010

Huanui College - 04/06/2014

Findings

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

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.

Huanui College is a fully registered, private, co-educational school located in Glenbervie, near Whangarei. It opened in 2010 with 75 students in Years 7 to 9 and now has 236 students from Years 7 to 13. The school is managed by an advisory board, which includes the founder and principal. Clearly stated values and principles guide school operations.

2. Criteria for Registration

The college meets the requirement to have a suitable curriculum. Its curriculum is based on the Cambridge International Curriculum and incorporates aspects of The New Zealand Curriculum to reflect New Zealand’s bicultural heritage.

Students are encouraged to strive for individual excellence in their academic subjects as well as in many co-and extra-curricular activities, including sport, performing arts and other opportunities for education outside the classroom. Students are encouraged to develop the life skills of caring for themselves, others and the environment. They have opportunities for leadership and community service. The school has forged links with nearby Pehiaweri marae. This year, after extensive consultation with the community, te reo Māori was introduced as a language option for Years 7 to 9 students. The school’s curriculum is detailed for parents on the school website and in subject handbooks.

Student progress and achievement is regularly assessed and reported to parents. Cambridge Checkpoint examination results at the end of Year 9 in mathematics, English and science have steadily improved. Pass rates in Cambridge IGCSE for Years 10 and 11 students in 2012 and 2013 are high. Results in Cambridge International A Levels are improving.

The school has suitable standards of tuition. It has a settled, well managed learning environment. Students are encouraged to be punctual, self-disciplined and supportive of each other’s learning. Classes have no more than 25 students. This enables students to receive individual attention and support. Students access additional support through lunchtime and after school tutorials. Parents are encouraged to support and participate in their children’s learning. Some high quality teaching practices foster student interest, learning and achievement.

The school is suitably staffed to provide for small class sizes and to promote high quality teaching. Care is taken to appoint staff who have the knowledge, skills and commitment to enable students to achieve high levels of personal excellence. All teachers are registered with the New Zealand Teachers’ Council. Teacher professional development is linked to their annual appraisal and the delivery of the school’s curriculum. Provisionally registered teachers are well supported. A process is being put in place for the principal’s annual performance appraisal. The school continues to build on its expectations of best teaching practice at Huanui College to benefit all teachers and to extend teachers’ bicultural knowledge and awareness.

The school has suitable premises and equipment for its current roll and curriculum delivery. Since ERO’s visit in 2010, another classroom block and full-sized gymnasium have been built. All weather courts enhance the outdoor sports facilities. Another two-storey classroom block is expected to be completed in 2014, as well as expansion of the staffroom and administration areas. Classrooms are well equipped. Science and information technology resources have increased to support teaching and learning.

The well planned, functional premises and attractive campus with its mature trees and rural outlook provide a high quality environment promoting excellence in teaching and learning.

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 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 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, three international students were attending the school. These students are the first international students to attend Huanui College. The school supports their learning and wellbeing effectively and has set up appropriate monitoring systems to ensure compliance with the Code.

Conclusion

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

4 June 2014

About the School

Location

Glenbervie, Whangarei

Ministry of Education profile number

620

School type

Secondary (Years 7 to 15)

School roll

236

Number of international students

3

Gender composition

Boys 56% Girls 44%

Ethnic composition

Māori

NZ European/Pākehā

Other European

Other

19%

66%

6%

9%

Review team on site

April 2014

Date of this report

4 June 2014

Most recent ERO report(s)

Private School Review Review Type Review Type

July 2010 Click here to enter a date. Click here to enter a date.