Education Review Office Report
26 October 2010
To the Parents and Community of Taupo Primary School
These are the findings of the Education Review Office’s latest report on Taupo Primary School.
Taupo Primary School is a well-established school, centrally located in the township of Taupo. It caters for students in Years 1 to 6 and enjoys close links with its local community. Students come from a wide geographical area and varied socio- economic backgrounds. Approximately 35% of the students are Māori.
The school has responded positively to the recommendations in the 2008 ERO report. Teachers have engaged in professional development to increase their range of teaching strategies and deepen their understanding and use of student achievement information. This commitment has resulted in greater awareness of the students’ learning needs.
The principal encourages a thoughtful approach to learning and teaching in which self review is used as a tool for improvement. She is building leadership capability within the senior leadership team and syndicate leaders, and has reviewed the appraisal process to further improve the quality of teaching. Clear school goals and targets are helping the school to identify and raise student achievement within the context of The New Zealand Curriculum.
Students learn in an inclusive and welcoming school culture. Their achievement and progress are being closely monitored. Most students, including Māori students, are achieving at or above national expectations. Those at risk of underachieving receive high quality support and guidance.
ERO observed effective teaching practices when teachers shared the learning goals and next learning steps with the students. In these classrooms, teachers plan lessons that fully engage students in the learning. Teachers are increasingly using information and communication technologies (ICT) in the classroom programmes. A recent focus on the teaching of literacy has helped students improve their writing skills.
Students are able to participate in a range of activities and events outside the classroom including kapa haka, sports, art and music. Parents and whānau feel welcome in the school and willingly offer their help and assistance. They are kept well informed about school events and their own children’s learning.
The newly elected board of trustees is focused on improving outcomes for students. Trustees are seeking outside advice and guidance to help them complete a governance manual to clarify their roles and responsibilities. This should help them focus on fulfilling the school’s strategic vision and direction.
Future Action
ERO is likely to carry out the next review within three years.
Review Coverage
This report provides an evaluation of how effectively the school’s curriculum promotes student learning - engagement, progress and achievement. ERO’s evaluation takes account of the school’s previous reporting history and is based on:
what is known about student achievement information, including the achievement of Māori and Pacific students;
decisions made to improve student achievement using assessment and self‑review information; and
teaching strategies and programmes implemented to give effect to the school’s curriculum.
ERO also gathers information during the review to contribute to its national reports