29 Brent Road, Owhata, Rotorua
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Mokoia Intermediate
Te Ara Huarau | School Profile Report
Background
This Profile Report was written within six months of the Education Review Office and Mokoia Intermediate School working in Te Ara Huarau, an improvement evaluation approach used in most English Medium State and State Integrated Schools. For more information about Te Ara Huarau see ERO’s website www.ero.govt.nz
Context
Mokoia Intermediate school is located in Rotorua and provides education for students in Years 7 and 8. The school offers total immersion Māori, partial immersion Māori and English medium education.
Mokoia Intermediate’s strategic priorities for improving outcomes for learners are:
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improving assessment for learning
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growing students into self-directed learners
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improving curriculum using local contexts.
You can find a copy of the school’s strategic and annual plan on Mokoia Intermediate School’s website.
ERO and the school are working together to evaluate how effectively assessment information is used by the board, leaders, teachers, and students.
The rationale for selecting this as a priority is:
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to increase the focus on the progress and achievement of students who are at risk of underachieving and improve outcomes for this group
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to strengthen the way students are empowered to take responsibility for their own learning.
The school expects to see:
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improved numbers of at-risk students making accelerated progress in their learning
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students who are able to set relevant goals and reflect on their own learning progress.
Strengths
The school can draw from the following strengths to support its goal to improve the use of assessment information:
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a safe, caring culture for learning
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an inclusive environment for students with diverse needs
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a comprehensive and well-curated curriculum portal that acts as a useful resource for teachers.
Where to next?
Moving forward, the school will prioritise:
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developing a standard set of learning progressions across the school in order to ensure a coherent learning pathway
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reviewing the reporting of assessment information to the board in order to ensure a greater focus on the progress of students at risk of underachieving.
ERO’s role will be to support the school in its evaluation for improvement cycle to improve outcomes for all learners. ERO will support the school in reporting their progress to the community. The next public report on ERO’s website will be a Te Ara Huarau | School Evaluation Report and is due within three years.
Shelley Booysen
Director of Schools
13 June 2023
About the School
The Education Counts website provides further information about the school’s student population, student engagement and student achievement. educationcounts.govt.nz/home
Mokoia Intermediate
Board Assurance with Regulatory and Legislative Requirements Report 2022 to 2025
As of November 2022, the Mokoia Intermediate Board of Trustees has attested to the following regulatory and legislative requirements:
Board Administration
Yes
Curriculum
Yes
Management of Health, Safety and Welfare
Yes
Personnel Management
Yes
Finance
Yes
Assets
Yes
Actions for Compliance
The board has identified the following area of non-compliance during the board assurance process:
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provided appropriate career education and guidance for all students in Year 7 and above.
[NAG 1(f)]
The board has since taken steps to address the areas of non-compliance identified.
Further Information
For further information please contact Mokoia Intermediate Board of Trustees.
The next Board of Trustees assurance that it is meeting regulatory and legislative requirements will be reported, along with the Te Ara Huarau | School Evaluation Report, within three years.
Information on ERO’s role and process in this review can be found on the Education Review Office website.
Shelley Booysen
Director of Schools
13 June 2023
About the School
The Education Counts website provides further information about the school’s student population, student engagement and student achievement. educationcounts.govt.nz/home
Mokoia Intermediate - 02/02/2017
Findings
A wide range of educational opportunities are provided and experienced by children. Trustees and leadership are committed to raising the achievement of all children, and particularly Māori children. An active partnership with Ngāti Te Roro o te Rangi has been established. Learning partnerships between school whānau and parents is encouraged.
ERO is likely to carry out the next review in three years.
1 Context
What are the important features of this school that have an impact on student learning?
Mokoia Intermediate, is situated on Ngāti Te Roro o te Rangi whenua, in the eastern suburbs of Rotorua City. It provides education for students from Years 7 to 8. The school’s roll of 302 includes 138 Māori students, most of whom whakapapa to Te Arawa. Since the previous ERO review in 2013, there have been several changes in the teaching staff. A rumaki class continues to provide an education for children in te reo and tikanga Māori practices. Teachers are participating in professional learning and development in writing and mathematics. Ngāti Whakaue provides additional funding to support reading and mathematics.
The vision and valued outcomes defined by the school for all children are 'Educational excellence for lifelong learning, respect, relishing learning, and reflection'. Te Pae tawhiti whaia kia mau Te pae tata whakamaua kia tina. Mokoia is a community which values respect, honesty and positive relationships for learning.
The school has a positive reporting history with ERO and is a member of the Eastern Rotorua Community of Learning.
2 Learning
How well does this school use achievement information to make positive changes to learners’ engagement, progress and achievement?
A range of appropriate assessment tools is used by the school to make informed decisions about children’s learning, progress and achievement, in particular those students at risk of not achieving.
School leaders identify Māori students and others whose achievement and progress is below expectations. They have established achievement plans in reading, writing and mathematics that outline expectations and guidelines for teachers. A school-wide register tracks and monitors children at risk of not achieving. This deliberate approach to accelerating progress is leading to improved outcomes for students.
Teachers use assessment information well to identify learners at risk of not achieving. They plan programmes and monitor their progress. These targeted learners are central to teachers' inquiries. Teachers monitor the effectiveness of their teaching to accelerate the progress of these learners.
The recently reviewed school appraisal systems and processes closely align to Education Council requirements. Teachers are increasingly confident to provide specific learning opportunities for those children at risk of not achieving. It is important to leaders to ensure there is a clear alignment between teacher goals and the school’s strategic targets for at risk learners.
Student achievement information reported to the board, assists trustees to focus on decision making matters to improve student outcomes. Senior leaders and trustees are able to clearly identify the number of students who are at most risk of not achieving. They now need to develop specific targets for Māori boys to more closely and frequently monitor the progress and acceleration of their learning. Regular reporting and monitoring on the progress of target groups enables leaders and trustees to evaluate programmes and teacher effectiveness leading to improved outcomes for children.
The Special Education Needs Coordinator (SENCO) implements effective systems to identify students requiring additional learning support. She works collaboratively with parents, teachers and external agencies to develop relevant programmes for children with high learning needs. The progress of these students is closely monitored.
The school’s 2016 achievement information shows that half of Māori and other children are achieving at and above the National Standards in reading and mathematics. In writing, all boys and in particular Māori boys, were most at risk of not achieving expectations. Māori girls are achieving marginally better than Māori boys. Recent achievement data shows that an increasing number of students made progress or accelerated progress in writing and mathematics. Ngā Whanaketanga information shows that half of the children in the rumaki class achieved the expected level in pānui, tuhituhi and kōrero and more than half achieved in pāngarau.
Professional development for teachers in moderation practice has been provided by external facilitators. Teachers meet within learning centres and school wide to discuss and share samples of children’s work when making Overall Teacher Judgements (OTJs). School leaders recognize that there is a need to strengthen aspects of the management and use of student achievement data. Continuing to build moderation practices within the school and with contributing schools should ensure greater consistency in the making of overall teacher judgements.
There are examples in the school where teachers have established strong learning partnerships with whānau and parents. These partnerships involve teachers discussing strategies with parents and whānau to use at home to assist their child’s learning success. Children’s learning and progress is reported to parents. A systematic approach to engaging whānau and parents encourages them to become active participants in their children’s learning.
3 Curriculum
How effectively does this school’s curriculum promote and support student learning?
The school’s curriculum is well documented and provides clear expectations and guidelines for teaching and learning. There is a strong and appropriate focus on literacy and mathematics.
There is an increasing integration of meaningful context that enable children to have authentic learning experiences. A range of opportunities in the arts, sports, cultural experiences and education outside the classroom allows children to engage and participate in activities of their choice. Mixed-ability classes provide rich opportunities for children to work together and share and learn from one another.
There are models of effective teaching practice across the school. These include:
- identifying, planning and monitoring to accelerate the learning of targeted students
- planning deliberate acts of teaching
- workshops where tuakana and teina work collaboratively in their learning
- the use of digital devices to enrich thinking and learning.
There are caring positive relationships among students and teachers. Students are increasingly able to talk about what they are learning and what they need to do next. They are being provided with opportunities to take increased responsibility for their learning.
Leaders have implemented a distributive leadership model that is focused on building teacher capability in literacy and mathematics. This is promoting a learning culture amongst staff which encourages all teachers to grow their professional learning and practice. Leaders recognise that aspects of school management and professional learning need to be reviewed and consideration given to:
- clarifying the roles and responsibilities within the senior leadership team
- further developing an open culture that encourages and values all teachers and leaders to share their ideas.
How effectively does the school promote educational success for Māori, as Māori?
A strong relationship and active partnership with the local hapū Ngāti Te Roro o te Rangi has been established. This promotes the building of partnerships with parents and whānau. Trustees are representative of the community and a whānau member of Ngāti Te Roro o te Rangi has been co-opted onto the board. Kaumātua are valued for their participation and contribution and provide guidance for decisions regarding Māori language, practices and local history
The school should now review and evaluate the integration of a te ao Māori context within the curriculum. Developing the confidence and capability of teachers to support the provision of te reo and tikanga Māori should also assist them to strengthen children’s learning experiences.
4 Sustainable Performance
How well placed is the school to sustain and improve its performance?
The school is well placed to sustain and improve its performance:
- Student achievement information informs internal evaluation.
- School leaders are focused on building professional capability and collective capacity to improve and sustain quality learning opportunities for children, and raise achievement particularly for those at risk of not achieving.
- Trustees provide effective stewardship for the ongoing development and progress of the school. They have a clear focus on student achievement, and work with senior leaders to ensure that all children have access to equitable learning opportunities.
- A distributive leadership model supports the sharing of teachers’ expertise and skills, and assists them to work collaboratively, and to share quality teaching practices that promote positive outcomes for children.
- There is a strong relationship with whānau and an active partnership with tangata whenua, Ngāti Te Roro o te Rangi.
5 Priority Area for Development
Senior leaders and trustees are able to clearly identify the number of students who are at most risk of not achieving. They now need to develop specific targets for Māori boys to more closely and frequently monitor the progress and acceleration of their learning.
Provision for international students
The Education (Pastoral Care of International Students) Code of Practice 2016 (the Code) was introduced on July 1st 2016. The school is aware of the need to update its policies and procedures to meet the new code requirements by December 1st 2016
At the time of the ERO review there were 2 international students attending the school.
The school is making good progress in aligning its policies and procedures to meet the requirements of the new (2016) Code of Practice.
Board assurance on legal requirements
Before the review, the board of trustees and principal of the school completed the ERO Board Assurance Statement and Self-Audit Checklists. In these documents they attested that they had taken all reasonable steps to meet their legislative obligations related to:
- board administration
- curriculum
- management of health, safety and welfare
- personnel management
- financial management
- asset management.
During the review, ERO checked the following items because they have a potentially high impact on student achievement:
- emotional safety of students (including prevention of bullying and sexual harassment)
- physical safety of students
- teacher registration
- processes for appointing staff
- stand-downs, suspensions, expulsions and exclusions
- attendance.
Conclusion
A wide range of educational opportunities are provided and experienced by children. Trustees and leadership are committed to raising the achievement of all children, and particularly Māori children. An active partnership with Ngāti Te Roro o te Rangi has been established. Learning partnerships between school whānau and parents is encouraged.
ERO is likely to carry out the next review in three years.
Lynda Pura-Watson
Deputy Chief Review Officer
2 February 2017
About the School
Location |
Rotorua |
|
Ministry of Education profile number |
1832 |
|
School type |
Intermediate (Years 7 to 8) |
|
School roll |
302 |
|
Number of international students |
2 |
|
Gender composition |
Boys 55% Girls 45% |
|
Ethnic composition |
Māori Pākehā Other European Other Asian Pacific |
46% 44% 4% 3% 2% 1% |
Special Features |
Rumaki class |
|
Review team on site |
November 2016 |
|
Date of this report |
2 February 2017 |
|
Most recent ERO report(s) |
Education Review Education Review Education Review |
January 2013 January 2010 November 2006 |
Mokoia Intermediate - 15/01/2013
1 Context
What are the important features of this school that have an impact on student learning?
Mokoia Intermediate, located in the eastern suburbs of Rotorua City, caters for students in Years 7 and 8. At the time of the ERO review the roll was 277, including 135 Māori students most of whom whakapapa to Te Arawa.
Since the previous ERO report there have been significant changes in staffing, school leadership, and the makeup of the board of trustees. Provision for bilingual education has also changed with the reduction from two classes to one. Students in this class benefit from the effective implementation of Te Marautanga o Aotearoa. The school also provides specific classes to support students with identified special abilities and two e-learning classes. There have been substantial improvements to the school’s buildings, including remodelling and refurbishment of the administration area and classrooms. Teachers have been engaged in sustained professional development in writing and implementing strategies to engage students in learning.
The school’s vision of “respect, relishing learning and reflection underpinned by the value of whānaungatanga” was developed after extensive consultation with whānau and the wider community. The Home and School Association and the Whānau Support Group provide ongoing assistance for the school including the provision of additional resources.
Students learn in a safe and settled environment that is characterised by warm and friendly relationships in a climate of trust and respect.
2 Learning
How well does this school use achievement information to make positive changes to learners’ engagement, progress and achievement?
The school uses an appropriate range of assessment tools to gather information about student achievement in reading, writing and mathematics. School leaders and the board use this information to set targets that are focused on accelerating the progress of particular groups of students who are achieving at lower levels. Parents are well informed of their children’s achievement and progress through written reports, three-way conferences, and ongoing informal conversations. National Standards and Ngā Whanaketanga achievements are effectively reported to parents in comprehensive end of year written reports. The principal acknowledges the need to review the mid-year progress reporting system to better show progress in relation to National Standards and Ngā Whanaketanga.
The achievement and progress of students with identified learning needs is effectively monitored. Ngati Whakaue provide additional funding that is used to support students’ numeracy learning. The effectiveness of this successful initiative is well monitored and reported to Ngāti Whakaue and board of trustees.
High priority should be placed on strengthening the robustness of interpretation and use of student achievement information at school-wide and classroom level to:
- more effectively monitor trends and patterns of achievement across the school to inform decision making and self review
- assist teachers to design and implement programmes that are more responsive to the needs of individuals and groups of students.
3 Curriculum
How effectively does this school’s curriculum promote and support student learning?
The school’s curriculum is responsive to the community’s aspirations and the interests and strengths of students. Priority is placed on literacy and mathematics programmes. Teachers are developing an integrated approach to curriculum delivery, which has a focus on problem solving and critical thinking skills. This approach is well supported by specialist programmes in technology and the arts. Students enjoy the many opportunities to experience success in a wide range of rich-learning experiences including sporting, cultural and education outside the classroom activities. They are able to develop their leadership skills through a variety of initiatives. Effective pastoral care processes that regularly involve parents and whānau support students’ sense of wellbeing and belonging in the school.
ERO observed examples of highly effective teaching practice that engage students in meaningful learning and promote progress and achievement. School leaders and ERO agree that there is a priority need to further raise the consistency and quality of teaching practice across the school. Priority should be given to:
- developing and documenting an agreed understanding and clear expectations for teaching practice
- providing ongoing professional development for teachers to support them to meet these expectations
- implementing an ongoing robust performance management system that keeps teachers well informed about the quality of their professional practice.
How effectively does the school promote educational success for Māori, as Māori?
The principal has had a focus in building partnerships with whānau and iwi that has successfully resulted in the increasing development of a culturally inclusive school environment. Te Arawa protocols are incorporated in school pōwhiri. Whānau and the wider Māori community are actively engaged in the life of the school and their knowledge, skills and expertise are valued. The next step for school leaders and teachers is to ensure a meaningful Māori dimension is evident in daily interactions and curriculum contexts in all classrooms.
4 Sustainable Performance
How well placed is the school to sustain and improve its performance?
The school is well placed to sustain and improve its performance because:
- self-review processes are well established
- the principal has a reflective approach to leadership and is focused on school improvement
- trustees bring a wide range of skills and expertise to their roles and responsibilities
- there are high levels of community involvement and support for the school.
The next step is to undertake a comprehensive review of the school’s leadership structure to maximise the strengths and expertise within the teaching staff and to ensure that senior leaders are best placed to provide appropriate advice and guidance to teachers and support staff.
Board assurance on legal requirements
Before the review, the board of trustees and principal of the school completed the ERO Board Assurance Statement and Self-Audit Checklists. In these documents they attested that they had taken all reasonable steps to meet their legislative obligations related to:
- board administration
- curriculum
- management of health, safety and welfare
- personnel management
- financial management
- asset management.
During the review, ERO checked the following items because they have a potentially high impact on student achievement:
- emotional safety of students (including prevention of bullying and sexual harassment)
- physical safety of students
- teacher registration
- processes for appointing staff
- stand-downs, suspensions, expulsions and exclusions
- attendance.
When is ERO likely to review the school again?
ERO is likely to carry out the next review in three years.
Dale Bailey
National Manager Review Services Northern Region
15 January 2013
About the School
Location |
Rotorua |
|
Ministry of Education profile number |
1832 |
|
School type |
Intermediate (Years 7 to 8) |
|
School roll |
277 |
|
Gender composition |
Girls 52% Boys 48% |
|
Ethnic composition |
NZ Māori NZ Pākehā Other European Other |
47% 42% 6% 5% |
Special Features |
One bilingual class |
|
Review team on site |
October 2012 |
|
Date of this report |
15 January 2013 |
|
Most recent ERO report(s) |
Education Review Education Review Education Review |
January 2010 November 2006 September 2003 |