Christchurch South Intermediate .::. ERO Report

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E.R.O. REPORT
These are the findings of the Education Review Office’s latest report (3 December 2009) on Christchurch South Intermediate. Christchurch South Intermediate caters for students in Years 7 and 8 and provides them with a well-balanced education. Students come from a wide variety of contributing schools. The school’s roll has increased since the 2007 ERO review and it now has an enrolment scheme. It has a good range of facilities and resources. Major improvements to the school’s main classroom block are planned for 2010. The principal and staff provide students with a positive learning environment. They actively promote the school’s values and this helps to foster student wellbeing and their sense of belonging. Diversity is celebrated and the cultures students come from are valued. Students demonstrate pride in their school and told reviewers that they enjoy school. School achievement information shows that students achieve best in reading. Many students also achieve well in aspects of mathematics. Students achieve a little below national expectations in written language, although they generally achieve well in spelling. They make good progress towards meeting the annual targets the school sets to improve their achievement in literacy and numeracy. Features of the school that are clearly benefiting students include: · the extensive and varied range of learning experiences the school provides for them; · the manner in which classes are organised so that teachers can meet their learning needs; and · the way staff strengths are used to enhance the quality of teaching programmes. While some teaching programmes are very well taught, the quality of others is more variable. The principal and senior staff had identified, and are working actively to extend the use of effective teaching practices so that all students benefit. The principal provides supportive leadership. Senior leaders work well as a team and have introduced a number of appropriate school initiatives. There is good collaboration among staff. The principal has established a management structure that has the potential to support further school improvement. The board governs the school effectively. Trustees make effective use of the school’s strategic plan to set direction, focus their activities and monitor school developments. They have high expectations, are responsive to needs for staffing and resources and are supportive of staff. Their decision making focuses on providing students with the best possible education and making sure that the board meets its obligations well. The board and principal actively foster links with the school’s community. The board and principal implement a well-established ongoing programme of self review. They use review findings to bring about school improvement. Some refinements to curriculum reviews would increase their usefulness. Future Action ERO is confident that the board of trustees can govern the school in the interest of the students and the Crown and bring about the improvements outlined in this report. ERO is likely to carry out the next review in three years. 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, www.ero.govt.nz.