Findings
On the basis of the information obtained during the review, ERO considers that Titirangi Rudolf Steiner School meets the criteria for registration as a private school set out in the Education Act 1989.
1 Background
The Chief Review Officer has a statutory duty to report on the performance of private schools throughout New Zealand.
Section 35I of the Education Act 1989, requires the Education Review Office (ERO) to review fully registered private schools, and to report to the Ministry of Education on whether each school continues to meet the criteria for full registration.
This review report was prepared in accordance with standard procedures approved by the Chief Review Officer.
Titirangi Rudolf Steiner School caters for students from six to 18 years of age. It has a roll of 179 students, including eight who identify as Māori. The Steiner Waldorf philosophy is integral to their special character.
The school is governed by the Rudolf Steiner Schools’ (Titirangi) Trust. It is managed by the Trust, and a College of Teachers, who represent the on-site Kindergarten and the Lower, Middle and Upper schools.
2 Criteria for Registration
The premises and equipment are suitable.
The school is suitably equipped to meet curriculum needs. Children and teachers access a range of specific resources and materials that support students’ learning. Since the 2013 ERO review, property developments have included two extra classrooms to cater for Upper school students. Additional useful spaces provide for the Steiner curriculum, including learning support. Good use is made of the school’s large outdoor environment.
Parents maintain the school premises. Health and safety requirements are met. In 2016 a consultant was contracted to assist with a comprehensive review of health and safety practices. It would be useful for the Trust to establish systems for the regular monitoring of hazards in the environment.
Suitable curriculum
Titirangi Rudolf Steiner School continues to provide students with a suitable curriculum.
The school uses the Steiner Waldorf curriculum which emphasises children’s stages of developmental. Elements of The New Zealand Curriculum are included. Teachers move through the school with the children to support continuity of learning. Teachers meet regularly to share knowledge. Child Study provides an opportunity to discuss individual children’s progress.
Students learn through a prescriptive and formal teaching programme aligned to each year level. Those students with additional learning needs are supported by parent funded interventions. Parents are kept well informed through after school meetings and regular community meetings.
Students are supported to meet the requirements of the National Certificates of Educational Achievement (NCEA). Students in Classes 11 and 12 are enrolled with Te Aho o Te Kura Pounamu so that they can receive correspondence learning in a broader range of subjects.
The school’s bicultural curriculum is promoted through events such as Matariki, marae visits and aspects of te ao Māori.
Along with the Steiner special character, the curriculum encourages responsibility and mutual respect for others. An inclusive community atmosphere is highly evident.
Leaders agree that formalising internal evaluation practices is a key next step. This would help to ensure that programmes and practices are critiqued and support a continual focus on improving outcomes for children.
Suitable staffing and tuition
Staffing and tuition are suitable.
Children benefit from a good ratio of teachers to learners, in small classes. Classroom teachers all have current Practising Teacher Certificates. Teachers work in a collaborative environment where there is shared responsibility for all children.
Teachers have opportunities to take responsibility for specific roles across the school and to develop their leadership potential. School leaders recognise that appraisal processes need to be updated to better align with the current Education Council requirements. Teachers have opportunities for professional learning and development.
The Trust and College of Teachers are committed to addressing the ongoing challenge of employing teachers who can enact the school’s alternative educational philosophy.
Fit and Proper Persons
The school’s managers have attested that they comply with the provisions of section 35G in respect to their being fit and proper persons to manage the school.
3 Other Obligations
There are good systems in place for the school’s managing body to be assured that its other statutory obligations are met.
4 Other Matters
Provision for international students
The school is a signatory to the Education (Pastoral Care of International Students) Code of Practice 2016 (the Code) established under section 238F of the Education Act 1989. The school has attested that it complies with all aspects of the Code.
At the time of this review there were 18 international students attending the school.
The school’s practices provide very good pastoral care. Good processes are in place to monitor and support students’ learning and achievement. Students are involved in a wide range of school activities and are well integrated into the school community.
5 Conclusion
On the basis of the information obtained during the review, ERO considers that Titirangi Rudolf Steiner School meets the criteria for registration as a private school set out in the Education Act 1989.
Julie Foley
Deputy Chief Review Officer Northern (Acting)
Te Tai Raki - Northern Region
4 May 2018
About the School
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Location
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Titirangi, Auckland
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Ministry of Education profile number
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1595
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School type
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Private Fully Registered Composite (Years 1 to 13)
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School roll
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179
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Number of international students
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18
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Gender composition
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Girls 58% Boys 42%
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Ethnic composition
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Māori
Pākehā
Asian
Pacific
other
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4%
79%
12%
2%
3%
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Review team on site
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February 2018
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Date of this report
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4 May 2018
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Most recent ERO report(s)
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Private School Review
Private School Review
Private School Review
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November 2013
November 2012
August 2010
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