These are the findings of the Education Review Office’s latest report on Tokanui School.
Tokanui School is a full primary school serving the rural communities of Tokanui, Fortrose, Otara and Quarry
Hills. The school has attractive and challenging playground facilities and is
well resourced. The children learn in a caring,
family-type environment.
The school benefits from strong
community support. The board and the staff work together to foster the school
culture which promotes and values high achievement in academic, cultural and sporting activities.
ERO and the board agreed that
the school focus for this review would be the quality of learning and teaching in literacy, and the effectiveness of the school
self-review process. Government interest areas included a review of the quality
of teaching for Year 4 students in technology as well as the achievement of Mäori students.
Some compliance aspects relating to student safety were also reviewed.
Students achieve high standards
of literacy. Their achievement in reading and writing is reliably assessed using
a range of appropriate assessment methods. In most rooms there is high quality
assessment. Teachers share achievement information with parents through detailed
report books. In all rooms students were highly engaged in purposeful learning.
Students benefit from high
quality teaching. The principal provides clear, reflective leadership, which
promotes high expectations and a school-wide learning culture. The expectations
and well-established management routines support students in their learning. There
is a school-wide approach to professional development, which promotes consistent teaching across all classes.
The board receives detailed
reports on student achievement that show high levels of student achievement and any follow-up actions. Data is clearly presented and well analysed. The board is
able to base its planning and resourcing decisions on high quality, analysed information about student achievement.
This report identifies that
the next step for improvement is for teachers to adopt a more consistent approach to assessment and to formally evaluate units
of work.
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.
Isabell Sinclair
Irwin
