Parawera School ERO Report 2003

A copy of the report is available to download and save here.

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18th December 2003

To the parents and community of Parawera School

These are the findings of the education review offices latest report on Parawera School.

Parawera School is a small rural school catering for year 1-6 students. It is located fifteen kilometres east of Te Awamutu. The schools population is comprised mainly of Maori students with a small number of European. Many students commute from the nearby towns of Te Awamutu and KihiKihi with a small number from the local farming community. Extensive and well-maintained grounds enhance the schools attractive appearance.

This report focuses on evaluation of the schools culture and its impact on student wellbeing and the effectiveness of mathematics programmes across the school. The board of trustees selected these focus areas in consultation with the Education Review Office. This report also includes evaluations of the quality of health and safety compliance and the achievement of Maori students.

Students receive good quality learning opportunities delivered by a team of committed and professional teachers. Standardised tests in March 2003 indicated that most students were achieving at or above age appropriate levels of mathematics. The transient nature of many of the students impacts on all school operations. Staff have competently coped with the demands associated with the transient nature of many of the school population.

Students work in an environment where exemplary attitudes and values such as respect for each other and property and a passion for learning are accentuated. Caring and respectful relationships among and between staff and students have created a positive atmosphere for effective teaching and learning. Student enjoy their school, care for each other and demonstrate a strong sense of belonging. A harmonious family atmosphere prevails in the school.

For the past two years the school has had a focus on improving mathematics programmes and has been innovative in seeking outside assistance to support mathematics learning. It is now timely for the board to evaluate the worth of this programme. A review and update of the schools mathematics implementation plan is required to provide clearer direction for more consistent programme planning, delivery and assessment.

The capable and hardworking principal is sensitive towards the needs of everyone. Teachers work cooperatively under her guidance and share a common belief that all students can achieve success. Staff strive to provide the right conditions for purposeful learning.

The competent experienced chairperson ably leads the board of trustees. Trustees work well together in the best interests of the school. They now need to formally consult with the community and finalise the new strategy plan, as well as adopting policies and plans for enhancing Maori student achievement.

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