Report of the Education Review Office
10 December 2007
To the Parents and Community of Papakura Normal School
These are the findings of the Education Review Office's latest report on Papakura Normal School.
Papakura Normal School has a history of positive ERO reports. This review finds that the school continues to perform very well. Since the 2004 ERO report the school’s roll has grown significantly, with an increasing number of students enrolled who are learning to speak English. Staff have been involved in a variety of professional development programmes and will be part of the Ministry of Education’s Papakura Enhancement Initiative in 2008. The school is attractively presented, and the board and senior managers have effectively managed an ongoing programme to modernise buildings.
Students achieve well in literacy and numeracy, and in a variety of extra-curricular activities. Māori students achieve as well as, and in some areas, better than their peers. Students have a good understanding of how well they are achieving and what their current learning focus is. They are confident, articulate and have good work habits. They appreciate the opportunities that are offered and the encouragement they receive from adults.
Teachers are well supported through a variety of professional development opportunities and effective management systems. New teachers benefit from sound guidance from a core of experienced teachers and a stable senior management team. As a result, the quality of teaching is very good, and examples of high quality practices are evident across the school. Programmes are well organised and teachers use a variety of effective strategies to cater for the diverse range of student abilities and interests.
Strong leadership is a feature of the school and the principal is an effective role model for staff and students. The staff work collegially and have high expectations of themselves and students. They provide students with a variety of rich learning experiences both in and outside the classroom. The staff support students in taking responsibility for their learning and actions, while providing many opportunities to celebrate success. As a result students are very positive about school, they manage their relationships with each other well and the focus in classrooms is on learning.
The recently elected board includes both new and experienced trustees. They bring a variety of relevant skills to their governance role. The new chairperson has a long association with the school and its community. The principal and outgoing board have provided a good induction programme to ensure a smooth transition. The board is kept well informed by the principal and staff about programmes, student achievement and safety.
For this review, ERO and the board agreed to a focus on the quality of teaching and learning, with an emphasis on catering for diversity. This report also includes information on the school's progress in supporting Māori and Pacific student achievement, the provision for gifted and talented students and how well the school meets legislative requirements for health and safety. The report finds that the school is performing well in these areas and makes some suggestions for further improvement. ERO and the board agreed that the board and staff should continue to consolidate and develop the high quality practices and suggestions for further improvement identified in this report.
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 will 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.
Elizabeth Ellis
Area Manager
for Chief Review Officer
website and learning management system.