ERO

In term two 2010, our school was reviewed by the Education Review office. This review came at a really neat time for us because we have been working hard on creating a curriculum that suits the needs of our children and phasing in the new National standards. Being a small school, we sometimes struggle to gain relativity- we think we are doing well, but how do we measure up with other schools like ours across the country? The review gives us this information from a completely unbiased perspective. To view our full report go to [|ERO] and search under school reports. I have copied the community page below.

Community Page
7 July 2010


 * To the Parents and Community of Waituna West School**

These are the findings of the Education Review Office’s latest report on Waituna West School. Waituna West School caters for students from Year 1 to 8, from a widespread rural district, near Feilding. The community is highly engaged in schooling improvement initiatives such as a bush rejuvenation project in the school’s extensive grounds and the provision of an all-weather playing surface. Many recent initiatives successfully motivate students. An example of these is the lunchtime groups formed around students’ interests such as gardening, engineering and farming. Using community experts in the school promotes learning partnerships. Clear guidelines and expectations exist to promote a focus on positive aspects of behaviour and are based on fostering success and mutual respect. Cooperative learning and buddy tutoring support learners in this multi-level school. Relationships between staff, parents, trustees and the community have a positive effect on students’ learning and well-being. An effective learning culture exists within the school. The school’s curriculum effectively promotes students’ learning, engagement, progress and achievement. Students enjoy learning through the agreed inquiry model of investigation in authentic contexts, including te ao Māori. School-wide student achievement information is well analysed, interpreted and used to establish trends and patterns and inform future student-centred planning. Most students achieve at or above national age expectations in literacy and numeracy. The school has reviewed its reporting to parents processes to provide relevant, well considered, good quality student achievement information with clear links to the National Standards. Students have opportunities to demonstrate capability in all aspects of the curriculum. The principal actively leads the school community, focusing on continuous improvement and building teaching capability across the school. Teachers effectively plan and implement classroom programmes to meet the needs of students. The Board of Trustees and staff share a clear understanding of the school’s vision. Trustees are well informed about curriculum and recent developments within education. Teachers, the board and community focus on their commitment to quality and enjoyable education.

ERO is likely to carry out the next review within four to five years.
 * Future Action**