Awakeri
School
PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE
We are proud of our last ERO report. Here it is...
28 May 2004
To the Parents and Community of Awakeri Primary School
These are the findings of the Education Review Office's latest report
on Awakeri Primary School.
This report focuses on the evaluation of the quality of assessment practice
and reporting information, and the quality of special needs provided
for students including
extension opportunities. The board of trustees selected these focus
areas in consultation with the Education Review Office. The report also
includes evaluation of the quality of health and safety compliance,
the achievement of Mäori students, the teaching of graphs, tables
and maps, and the impact of e-learning on the quality of teaching at
Year 4 and 8 students. It identifies good practices and next steps within
each section.
Awakeri primary school is a large rural school situated 13 kilometres
west of Whakatane catering for Year 1 - 8 students. The school property
is well maintained and has been enhanced through the upgrading of the
administration area, a new shaded area and decking. The Parent Teacher
Association (PTA) and local community have been instrumental in fundraising
for new facilities and resources for the school.
Students are receiving high quality learning opportunities throughout
the school delivered by a team of competent and enthusiastic teachers.
Sound teaching practices are evident across the school and students
are fully engaged in their learning. Classroom environments are high
quality. High levels of on task behaviours are resulting in safe teaching
and learning environments. Classroom routines are firmly established
and contribute to the smooth flow of teaching and learning activities.
Students are confident, open and friendly, and relate well to each other
and their teachers.
Teachers promote and model appropriate attitudes and values. This is
reflected in a culture where the school community is valued. Students
feel safe and are encouraged to take risks with their learning. Success
is celebrated at all levels throughout the school. Teachers plan all
essential learning areas well. Benchmarks have been developed to provide
a reliable and consistent tool for measuring student achievement. Assessment
practice throughout the school is consistent, well monitored and informing
the learning needs of students. Further development of formative assessment
should enhance current assessment practice. Special needs
programmes are providing students with targeted support to improve identified
learning and behaviour needs. The development of a formalised approach
to extension and enrichment activities should cater better for the learning
needs of more able students.
The principal provides strong professional leadership. His leadership
style is inclusive and collaborative. He is ably supported by the senior
management team and staff.
The board of trustees is governing the school effectively and efficiently
under the leadership of a skilled and knowledgeable chairperson. The
board of trustees demonstrates commitment to improving student achievement
and makes resourcing decisions based on high quality reporting information.
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.
Therefore 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.
Ian Hill
Area Manager
for Chief Review Officer
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Peter Fitzgerald