Below is the summary report from ERO

to see the full report go to: http://www.ero.govt.nz and put Titahi Bay School into the search.

11 November 2008

To the Parents and Community of Tïtahi Bay School

These are the findings of the Education Review Office’s latest report on Tïtahi Bay School.

Tïtahi Bay School is located in Porirua and provides education for students from years 1-6.  The recently painted buildings and spacious grounds are well presented.  Property developments include the construction of junior and senior playgrounds and a student vegetable garden.

This review evaluates how effectively assessment information is used in literacy and numeracy to improve outcomes for students, and progress in improving achievement of Maori and Pacific students.  It notes the school's readiness to implement The New Zealand Curriculum by 2010.  ERO also considered compliance, with a particular focus on health and safety.  No concerns are identified.

Since the 2004 ERO review, the school has been involved in the Ministry of Education initiative, Achievement Porirua.  It has focused on collating and analysing information about students' achievement and using the data to guide teaching and learning programmes.  In addition, there have been significant changes in staffing, including within the management team.

Reading and writing achievement information indicates that students in years 4 to 6 are performing slightly belown the nationally expected level.  In writing, year 4 students are significantly below expectation.  Mathematics achievement information shows that students in year 5 are achieving slightly below the national expectations for the test and year 6 at similar levels.  Some achievement data are used to identify students'who need additional learning support, inform the Board of Trustees, and formulate annual targets in literacy and numeracy.

The board is committed to maintaining a family-orientated culture where literacy, numeracy and student achievement are central to the school's teaching and learning programmes.  It supports learning through the purchase of resources, including laptops, and sponsorhsip of a programme to provide books and promote literacy in the school community.

The principal and deputy principal are collaboratively leading school-wide improvements in literacy and numeracy achievement.  They are fostering staff professional learning and development and promoting a student-centred learning environment.  A feature of the inclusive approach is the welcoming of new staff and students with a powhiri.

The quality of teaching is good overall, with a few examples of high quality practice evident.  Most teachers use a variety of appropriate teaching strategies to promote student understanding and engagement.  Teachers gather and use a wide range of achievement information to give some guidance to their teaching and learning programmes.

Students are friendly, respectful and have a sense of belonging.  They demonstrate a good understanding of the school values and appreciate the range of activities and opportunities offered to them.

This report identifies the need to improve assessment practices and self-review systems and processes and use these to evaluate and report the effectiveness of school operations, including special needs programmes.

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.

Lennane Kent

Area Manager

for Chief Review Officer