Ero Comments
Please read some of the recent comments in our ERO report.
Latest Report
To the Parents and Community of Rakaia School.
These are the findings of the Education Review Office's latest report on
Rakaia School.
Rakaia School is a rural primary school in the Mid Canterbury township
of Rakaia that provides for students from Years 1 to 8. The school roll
is significantly larger and more diverse than at the time of the last
ERO review in 2007. This growth can be attributed to the development of
light industry associated with the rural sector.
The spacious grounds
are well maintained. Recent developments include a new classroom and new
playground equipment.
School-wide achievement reports show that students overall have made
steady progress in aspects of numeracy and literacy since the 2007 ERO
review. Some groups of students, including those who do not have English
as a first language, receive additional support to raise their
performance levels. The principal and teachers have responded positively
to the variation by focusing on providing additional learning support
programmes and improving teaching practice.
The principal and staff place a high priority on effective teaching and
the quality of the relationships with and amongst students. This
emphasis is promoted in the school's vision and values which underpin
the school's curriculum. Other positive features of learning and
teaching include:
* the learning and leadership opportunities provided for students
within and beyond the classroom;
* the focus on learning in classrooms with students knowing what
they are learning and why; and
* the use of assessment information by teachers to identify
students' learning needs and to plan suitable programmes.
The principal provides strong professional leadership for the staff and
students. Positive relationships with parents and the community are
strengths of the school. Students told ERO that they felt safe and
valued at school. The school's vision and values reflect the aspirations
of the board staff and community.
ERO and the board agreed the school's areas for development to improve
outcomes for students are:
* increase the opportunities for students to be more self-directed
and self-managing in their learning;
* extend the use of student achievement data;
* strengthen the school's self-review processes; and
* consult with parents of Maori children to gain an understanding of
their aspirations for their children.
Future Action
The board of trustees has demonstrated that it is governing the school
in the interest of the students and the Crown. The board, together with
the principal and school leaders, continues to focus on improving
student learning - engagement, progress and achievement. ERO is likely
to carry out the next review within three years.