To the Parents and Community of Aka Aka School
These are the findings of the Education Review Office’s latest report on Aka Aka School.
Aka Aka School is a small, well established primary school that caters for students from Years 1 to 8. The school continues to provide the high standard of education and care noted in previous ERO reviews. The board and staff provide high quality education in an environment where student achievement in academic, cultural and sporting activities is celebrated and nurtured. Since the 2005 ERO review the board of trustees has appointed a new principal and continued the development of the school buildings and property. The school is very attractive and well presented and reflects the community’s pride in and commitment to the school.
Since the 2005 ERO review there have been some significant changes in the school. The roll has dropped, reflecting changes in the local area. The longstanding principal has retired and there are new trustees. The board and staff have managed these changes well and successfully maintained the essential character of the school as a small and cohesive family-centred school. The new adventure playground illustrates the board’s desire to provide high levels of challenge and as well as appropriate support for their children.
Children are confident, articulate and keen to learn. They have high expectations of their school and the opportunities it provides for them. The 2005 ERO report commented on the positive impact of student leadership and the marked extent to which older children take an active role in caring for younger children and for the school environment. These attributes remain evident. Children enjoy their time at school and are proud of what they achieve.
Teachers know their students well, and use their knowledge of children and their families to good advantage. Relationships between students and staff are mutually warm and courteous, and students respond positively to teachers’ high expectations. Classrooms are purposeful and students are generally engaged in worthwhile activities that they find challenging and stimulating. Student achievement outcomes over time indicate that the majority of students are achieving at or above expected levels in reading, writing and in numeracy. High quality teacher planning across the school guides teaching and learning. Attractive, print-rich classroom environments and good resources support students’ learning.
The new principal provides effective leadership in the school. He has continued to build on the established good practices of the previous principal. Systems are well documented and accountabilities are clear. The senior leadership team is improvement focused and uses self review effectively to identify areas for school planning and development.
The board of trustees continues to provide sound governance. New trustees bring a variety of skills and expertise to the role, as well as being actively involved with school maintenance and development. They are well informed and receive good quality reports from the principal about the achievement of identified school goals. They are justifiably proud of the school and the role it plays as a focus of community activities.
The board of trustees agreed that this review would focus on the quality of teaching and learning, with a particular emphasis on writing. In addition, ERO looked at progress with improving Mâori student achievement and the provision of professional learning and development for staff. Health and safety and compliance matters were also a part of this review. The report identifies many areas of good practice and some areas for further development. The board and staff are well placed to continue to deliver good quality education for the children of the area.
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 is likely to 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
Click below to view the Schools full ERO Report
www.ero.govt.nz/ero/reppub.nsf/0/DA58ABEBD63B449FCC257467001BCC25/$File/1201.htm
