Improvement In Action Te Ahu Whakamua

Whole school buddy system – Otumoetai Intermediate School

It grew really quickly and teachers took responsibility. Now it is really embedded. We make sure everyone has a buddy. We still make sure they have time to do reflections. We still make time to make it easier.

All teachers are engaged in differentiated professional learning and development. Those with similar goals are ‘buddied’ with another staff member.

This video illustrates

Domain 5: Professional capability and collective capacity

Evaluation indicators

  • Organisational structures, processes and practices enable and sustain collaborative learning and decision making
  • Access to relevant expertise builds capability for ongoing improvement and innovation

This video also illustrates

Domain 2: Leadership for equity and excellence

Evaluation indicator

  • Leadership builds collective capacity to do evaluation and inquiry for sustained improvement

Key content

  • The deprivatisation of classroom practice is embedded across the school 
  • Working with a colleague enables clarity of focus and direction linked to outcomes
  • Frequent, structured observations to gather evidence and follow up discussions support improvement
  • Allocation of time and resource support the implementation of school-wide processes

Things to think about

  • What structures, processes and practices support continual learning and collaboration in your setting?
  • What else could you consider?