Amana Christian School

Findings

On the basis of the information obtained during the review, ERO considers that Amana Christian 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.

ERO reviews of private schools are significantly different in process and more limited in scope and reporting than those for state and state-integrated schools, focusing as they do on the Criteria for Registration set out in section 35C of the Education Act.

Section 35I of the Education Act 1989 requires the Education Review Office (ERO) to review private schools and to report to the Ministry of Education on whether each school continues to meet the criteria for registration. The schools are privately owned and the legislative requirements are significantly different to those for state and state-integrated schools. Private schools are not required to follow the National Education Goals or National Administration Guidelines.

What does apply in place of the legislation imposed upon state schools by the Education Act is the contract between the persons paying for the tuition of the child at the school – the parents – and the school authority. Those are matters between the parent and the school’s governing body. More information about ERO reviews of private schools can be found on ERO’s website www.ero.govt.nz/Reviews-Process.

The criteria for registration are that the school —

a)has premises that are suitable, as described in section 35D; and

b)usually provides tuition for 9 or more students who are of or over the age of 5 years but are under the age of 16 years; and

c)has staffing that is suitable to the age range and level of its students, the curriculum taught at the school, and the size of the school; and

d)has equipment that is suitable for the curriculum being delivered or to be delivered at the school; and

e)has a curriculum for teaching, learning, and assessment and makes details of the curriculum and its programme for delivery available for parents; and

f)has suitable tuition standards, as described in section 35F; and

g)has managers who are fit and proper persons (as described in section 35G) to be managers of a private school.

Amana Christian School is fully registered, co-educational school for students from five years old to the end of their secondary education. The school has recently shifted to a new site in Mosgiel and is now beside the Amana Christian Preschool.

At the time of this review, 15 students attended the school. The roll included a large group of Pacific students, some English language learners (ELLs) and an international student.

On the basis of information gathered during this review, ERO considers that Amana Christian School meets the criteria for full registration as a private school, as set out in the Education Act 1989.

2 Criteria for Registration

The two teachers are fully qualified, registered and experienced in the primary school sector (Years 1 to 8). The teaching assistant has an overseas teaching qualification, with many years of teaching experience at the secondary level. Working alongside one of the teachers, her main role is to support senior students in their learning. The school is in the process of improving its appraisal process to better meet recent changes to Education Council requirements.

The school has managers who meet as a board and oversee school operations. 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. Two school managers are frequently in the school in a voluntary capacity.

Consistent with the school’s vision, its special Christian character is central to the school’s curriculum and evident in the way students and staff relate. Students who spoke with ERO were very positive about their school. They described it as safe and friendly and stated that they enjoyed their learning. Parents are well informed about the school’s curriculum, including its Christian focus.

The junior school’s curriculum is based on the New Zealand Curriculum Framework and Interact (a New Zealand Christian Schools’ curriculum). There are appropriate guidelines and learning progressions to support teaching and learning. The Interact curriculum integrates Christian teachings with different subject areas and provides broad and deep learning. Children have regular opportunities to go into the wider community to enrich their learning. The school has appropriate resources and equipment to complement its curriculum.

When students are competent, independent readers and writers, they move on to the Accelerated Christian Education (ACE) curriculum. Within this programme there is a wide range of curriculum choices. Learning is personalised, with students working on individual pathways and taking responsibility for their learning. ACE qualifications are an approved pathway to tertiary education, and past senior students have made successful transitions on to further education.

ERO is confident that tuition is of a suitable standard for students throughout the school. Students are regularly assessed and their progress is tracked and monitored. The new junior class teacher has strengthened these practices in 2018. Children with additional learning needs are very well supported. This includes children who are ELLs. Parents are well informed about their children’s learning.

The school has sound practices for health and safety. This includes the provision of suitable premises. Appropriate internal and external checks, such as building warrants, have been completed. The building and property are regularly checked for hazards, and concerns addressed. Over time, the board have continued to adapt and upgrade the new site and its facilities.

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 Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students (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 was one international student attending the school. This student is a valued school member. He is well supported in his learning and socially.

5 Conclusion

On the basis of the information obtained during the review, ERO considers that Amana Christian School meets the criteria for registration as a private school set out in the Education Act 1989.

Alan Wynyard

Director Review & Improvement Services Southern

Te Waipounamu - Southern Region

29 October 2018

About the School