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30 JUNE 2008
EDUCATION REVIEW REPORT:
KENAKENA SCHOOL
To the Parents and Community of Kenakena School
These are the findings of the Education Review Office's latest report
on Kenakena School.
Kenakena School is a large urban full primary school situated in the north
Paraparaumu Beach area. In February 2007, newly refurbished buildings,
comprising classrooms and the administration area, were destroyed by fire.
Rebuilding these rooms was a priority for the Board of Trustees throughout
2007 and reconstruction has recently been completed, providing long-awaited,
enhanced facilities for staff and students.
The 2004 ERO review found that there was a shared vision for creating
a learning community, resulting in clear expectations for teaching and
learning and sound teaching practices across the school. The review recommended
strengthening curriculum goals and unit planning and increasing the use
of nationally-referenced assessment tools. This review finds that significant
progress has been made in these areas.
Over the past three years, teachers have engaged in professional development
in numeracy teaching, and continued to consolidate assessment practices.
The board therefore requested that this review evaluate the quality of
mathematics programmes with reference to recent professional development
and ERO agreed. This review also considers progress in improving M?ori
student achievement, comments on the school's management of professional
learning and development and verifies compliance with requirements for
students' health and safety.
The principal is an effective professional leader who is well supported
by staff and trustees in articulating the school's vision for research-based
curriculum design and teacher development. Together with the deputy principals
and team leaders, he has fostered a collaborative culture focused on professional
development and dialogue to improve outcomes for students. Senior managers
have established sound guidelines for developing and managing the mathematics
curriculum. A very positive response to professional learning has contributed
to a supportive, inclusive and professional staff culture, where students'
learning, achievement and well-being are an important focus. The school's
approach to professional learning and development is highly coordinated,
has the wholehearted support of the staff and assists in fulfilling the
school's vision for being an "exciting, motivating and positive learning
community".
Effective teaching is evident in most classes, with many examples of high
quality practice. These include maintaining high expectations for learning,
very good questioning to access prior knowledge and challenge thinking,
using assessment to provide focused teaching for groups, and providing
attractive and learning-focused classroom environments. As a result, a
positive learning culture and respectful relationships between teachers
and students are evident throughout the school. Students are actively
engaged in their learning tasks.
Teachers use nationally-referenced assessment tools to effectively inform
teaching programmes. They maintain detailed records of students' progress
and achievement. The flexible and targeted allocation of teacher aides
enables students with identified learning needs to receive specialised
assistance. Parents receive regular and useful information about student
achievement through cumulative and comprehensive home sample folders and
associated written reports. School-wide student achievement information
in mathematics and literacy indicates that many students achieve at or
above expectations for their year levels and others make good progress
over time.
The values of the school vision, including respect for diversity and individuality
and the importance of the community in school life, are evident in the
school culture. Students continue to benefit from a wide range of opportunities
to gain knowledge of New Zealand's bicultural heritage. During their time
at the school, all experience the laying of hangi, stay on the Whakarongotai
marae, gain knowledge of the history of the area, learn their mihi and
participate in p?whiri. Many are learning the protocols and discipline
of kapa haka with the support of the principal, teachers and the wh?nau
group. Teachers include a bicultural aspect in their classroom programmes
and the principal models the use of te reo M?ori at meetings and ceremonies.
The board is committed to supporting the principal and staff in promoting
curriculum development and student achievement. Broad annual targets in
the strategic plan reflect an emphasis on improving literacy and numeracy
achievement. Trustees are in the process of developing a system for the
regular review of policies and procedures. This ERO review recommends
that trustees and senior managers strengthen processes for curriculum
review, annual target setting and reporting on student achievement to
the board in order to sustain a momentum of continuous improvement.
The board and staff demonstrate respect for diversity and the importance
of maintaining a strong partnership with the local community. The school
organises and promotes parent education meetings and seminars to assist
with the development of positive parenting skills, and is also involved
in Strengthening Families programmes to assist families in need of help.
The parent network raises significant funds each year to enhance resourcing
for curriculum activities. An active wh?nau group contributes to school
programmes and provides help for families in need. Fostering strong home-school
partnerships supports students' learning and achievement.
Future Action
ERO is confident that the board of trustees can manage the school in the
interests of the students and the Crown and bring about the improvements
outlined in this report.
ERO is likely to review the school again as part of the regular review
cycle.
Review Coverage
ERO reviews do not cover every aspect of school performance and each ERO
report may cover different issues. The aim is to provide information on
aspects that are central to student achievement and useful to this school.
If you would like a copy of the full report, please contact the school
or see the ERO website, http://www.ero.govt.nz.
Lennane Kent
Area Manager
for Chief Review Officer
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