Community Page
Confirmed 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 Action
ERO is likely to carry out the next
review in four to five years.