Te Waotu School, located 18 km south west of Putaruru, provides education for students from Years 1 to 8. At the time of this ERO review the school roll of 116 included 15 students who identified as Māori. The school continues to operate a Ministry of Education approved enrolment scheme to manage roll growth. In 2011 the school celebrated its 125 years jubilee.
Since the 2009 ERO review the school’s roll has remained constant. Leadership of the school has remained the same and there have been only two changes in the teaching team. Two new trustees were elected at the 2013 board elections. The board has undertaken significant refurbishment of many classrooms. Teachers have undertaken extensive professional learning and development in the areas of literacy and mathematics.
Students and teachers benefit from learning and teaching in spacious, well-presented and resourced learning environments. The 'Waotu Way' defines clear expectations for student behaviour in the school. These are well understood by students and contribute to a culture that supports learning within the school.
Te Waotu School has a very positive ERO reporting history and has responded well to the area for review and development in the previous ERO report about strengthening the reporting of student achievement information.
The school makes effective use of student achievement information to support student learning.
School leaders have developed an assessment schedule that provides a detailed framework for teachers to collect an appropriate range of achievement information, especially in literacy and mathematics. They analyse school-wide achievement information to report to the board of trustees and wider community. This information is also used to identify priorities for teacher professional development and performance management processes.
The board of trustees is well informed about student achievement and progress, and makes good use of this information to inform decision making and resource allocation. Trustees set appropriate targets in the school charter focussed on raising achievement levels, including those who are 'at risk' of not reaching expected levels.
Teachers make effective use of achievement information to group students for instruction and to plan to meet their different learning needs. They provide parents with comprehensive information about their children’s achievement and progress, including information in relation to the National Standards. Written reports include useful information about how parents can support their children’s learning at home.
Student achievement information from 2013 shows that achievement levels in writing and mathematics are above national comparisons, while reading levels were similar. Maori students achieved at similar levels to their non-Māori peers at the school in mathematics, and slightly lower in reading and writing. The school is continuing to develop processes to support teachers to make robust judgements in relation to National Standards.
The school makes a sustained and conscious effort to recognise and celebrate student success in all areas of endeavour, both within and beyond the school.
The school’s curriculum effectively promotes and supports student learning.
A particular strength of the school is the shared commitment to the school’s values and the 'Waotu Way' that support children’s sense of identity, pride and wellbeing.
Important features of the school’s curriculum are the:
Teachers have developed affirming and respectful relationships with students that contribute to settled and engaged learning environments. They use a variety of appropriate teaching strategies that promote positive learning outcomes for students.
A recent school-wide initiative has been to build teacher’s professional practice through regular reflection and critical discussion with their colleagues about key aspects of their teaching. This initiative could be further enhanced by linking these discussions to the achievement and progress of students who are 'at risk' of not reaching expected levels as identified in the school targets.
Students have benefited from increased access to portable computer devices to support their classroom learning.
Teachers and school leaders are continuing to investigate how to make the most effective use of these resources to improve learning outcomes. There are an extensive range of opportunities for students to experience success in sporting, cultural, academic, leadership and traditional rural events and activities.
ERO and school leaders agree that the curriculum could be enhanced by developing:
This development is necessary to guide the work of teachers and bring about greater school-wide consistency.
Māori students’ identity and sense of belonging is enhanced through:
ERO and the principal agree that priority should be given to:
Te Waotu School is well placed to sustain and improve its performance because:
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:
During the review, ERO checked the following items because they have a potentially high impact on student achievement:
ERO is likely to carry out the next review in three years.
Dale Bailey
National Manager Review Services Northern Region
31 March 2014
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Location |
South west of Putaruru |
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Ministry of Education profile number |
2025 |
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School type |
Full Primary (Years 1 to 8) |
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School roll |
116 |
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Gender composition |
Boys 54% Girls 46% |
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Ethnic composition |
NZ European/Pākehā Māori Other |
82% 13% 5% |
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Review team on site |
March 2014 |
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Date of this report |
31 March 2014 |
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Most recent ERO report(s) |
Education Review Education Review |
November 2009 August 2006 |