Education Review Office ReportThe Education Review Office is the government department which reports publicly on the quality of education in all New Zealand schools and early childhood services, including private schools, kura kaupapa Maori (Maori language immersion schools), special schools and nga kohanga reo (Maori language early childhood groups). The latest Education Review Office was completed in August 2010. Section 2 of the resulting report is included below and the complete report is available on the ERO web site www.ero.govt.nz Community PageConfirmed Report: 24 September 2010 To the Parents and Community of Maori Hill School These are the findings of the Education Review Office's latest report on Maori Hill School. Maori Hill School is located in Dunedin city. It provides education for students in Years 1 to 6. At the time of this review in August 2010 it had a roll of 228 students, 6% of whom were Maori. The school operates an enrolment scheme and accepts international students. This year the school's administration block, library, learning centre, resource areas and group teaching spaces have been redeveloped and extended. Most students are achieving and progressing well compared with national averages. The principal and teachers set high standards for students' achievement and behaviour. Students benefit from high quality enrichment and learning support programmes. Parents, trustees and the school community are well informed about students' levels of achievement. ERO observed good to high quality teaching. Classroom environments are stimulating, well-managed, resourced and organised. Since the 2007 ERO review, students have had increased opportunities to hear and use te reo Maori. Teachers reflect on their practice for future improvement. They use a wide range of assessment methods to measure student progress and achievement. Students' progress is closely monitored. Students have many opportunities to extend their learning beyond the classroom. Teachers make good use of the museum, art gallery, university and parental expertise in students' learning programmes. The high level of ongoing parent and community engagement and support is a significant feature of this school. Parents, grandparents and community members assist in student support and extension programmes. The parent and teacher association (PTA) raises significant funds for school resources. Other groups of parents help teachers organise resources and run events. The principal effectively leads the school and has developed a strong community of learners. He has created efficient systems for managing and monitoring school-wide information through the use of information and communication technologies (ICT). Teachers and students benefit from ongoing professional learning. It is now time for the board, leaders and teachers to review how well students are taking responsibility for aspects of their learning and how well Maori perspectives are included in all classroom programmes. A strong improvement focus is evident throughout the school. The board of trustees is capable, committed and well informed. It has demonstrated that it is governing the school in the interests of the students and the Crown. The board, together with the principal and school leaders, continues to be highly effective in using self-review procedures to further promote student learning - engagement, progress and achievement - through considered change. Future ActionERO is likely to carry out the next review in four to five years.
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