Kairanga School

Kairanga School

Te Ara Huarau | School Profile Report

Background

This Profile Report was written within 10 months of the Education Review Office and Kairanga 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 

Kairanga School is situated in a rural setting on the outskirts of Palmerston North. The school caters for learners in Year 1 to 8.

Kairanga School’s strategic priorities for improving outcomes for learners are:

  • to provide a quality and meaningful learning curriculum for all

  • to develop learners who enact our values

  • to connect with the rich resources in our community

  • develop a responsive physical environment that meets the needs of staff and students.

You can find a copy of the school’s strategic and annual plan on Kairanga School’s website.

ERO and the school are working together to evaluate how well delivery of the localised curriculum achieves the school’s identified priorities, skills and dispositions desired for learner success.

The rationale for selecting this evaluation is:

  • to determine the impact of teaching, learning and curriculum delivery on achieving equity and excellence for all learners.

The school expects to see:

  • evaluative insights showing how well delivery of the localised curriculum achieves the desired outcomes the school and community have identified for learner success

  • meaningful stakeholder engagement that connects the rich resources and funds of knowledge of whānau, iwi and the community in design and delivery of the localised curriculum

  • highly effective teaching and learning that matches the schools shared expectations of effective practice and culturally responsive relational pedagogy

  • ongoing documented changes to the Kairanga School curriculum as new approaches and culturally responsive relational practices are shared and embedded into practice.

Strengths

The school can draw from the following strengths to support its goal for equitable and excellent outcomes for all learners:

  • leaders, teachers, and trustees collectively pursue the school’s vision, goals, and strategic priorities in promoting equitable and excellent outcomes for learners

  • the capability and practice of teaching staff is well supported through participation in relevant professional learning and development (PLD) and opportunities to share and inquire into key curriculum areas

  • the learning environment reflects the school’s shared values and promotes the positive and purposeful engagement of students.

Where to next?

Moving forward, the school will prioritise:

  • engaging in partnership with key stakeholders, inclusive of whānau and iwi, to build connection with the rich resources of the local community to inform ongoing development of the localised curriculum

  • continued participation of school personnel in PLD aligned to the schools’ strategic priorities and inclusive of culturally responsive relational pedagogy

  • gathering information from stakeholders to inform evaluative insights into the provision of a quality and meaningful learning curriculum for all.

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

2 August 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

Kairanga School

Board Assurance with Regulatory and Legislative Requirements Report 2022 to 2025

As of October 2022, the Kairanga School Board 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

Further Information

For further information please contact the Kairanga School Board.

The next School Board 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

2 August 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

Kairanga School

Provision for International Students Report

Background

The Education Review Office reviews schools that are signatories to the Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice 2021 established under section 534 of the Education and Training Act 2020.

Findings

The school is a signatory to the Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice 2021 established under section 534 of the Education and Training Act 2020. The school has attested that it complies with all aspects of the Code.

No international students were enrolled at the time of the ERO review.

Shelley Booysen
Director of Schools

2 August 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

Kairanga School - 26/04/2019

School Context

Kairanga School is a full primary school for children from Years 1 to Year 8. It is situated 10 kilometres from Palmerston North. At the time of review it had a roll of 162 students, including 19% Māori.

The school’s vision statement is to ‘build firm foundations for a lifetime of learning’, based on the core values of ‘integrity, respect, responsibility, perseverance, empathy, resilience and cooperation’.

The 2019 strategic plan prioritises ongoing improvement in student achievement across the curriculum. The driving charter goal is ‘to achieve success and growth for all.’

Leaders and teachers regularly report to the board, schoolwide information about outcomes for students in the following areas:

  • achievement in reading, writing and mathematics in relation to The New Zealand Curriculum

  • progress in relation to intervention programmes

  • those with additional needs

  • social, cultural and sporting achievements

  • engagement and wellbeing.

Leadership has continued to remain stable at Kairanga School.

For leaders’ and teachers’ professional learning and development the focus areas in 2018 were writing and mathematics development. These continue to be prioritised in 2019.

Evaluation Findings

1 Equity and excellence – achievement of valued outcomes for students

1.1 How well is the school achieving equitable and excellent outcomes for all its students?

The school achieves positive achievement outcomes for students. Data provided by the school, shows that most students achieve at or above curriculum expectations in reading, writing and mathematics. Girls continue to achieve more highly than boys in all three of these curriculum areas. End-of-year data for 2018, shows a closing of this gap in these areas between boys and girls. Rates of achievement for Māori are below their peers in reading, writing and mathematics.

Year 8 outcomes show most students leave Kairanga School achieving at or above expectation in all three curriculum areas.

Digital tools and resources are used appropriately to gather data pertaining to wellbeing and engagement for students. Leaders respond to this information thoughtfully and use it to strengthen learning relationships with students and whānau.

Clear, well defined systems and processes are in place to identify, respond and monitor progress of students with complex and additional health and/or learning needs. These students are well supported with a wide range of internal and external expertise. Specific literacy interventions show significant progress for the students involved in these specialised programmes.

1.2 How well is the school accelerating learning for those Māori and other students who need this?

The school is responding effectively to Māori and other children whose learning and achievement need acceleration. Data for 2018 shows, for those students who required acceleration, almost all students made expected progress with many in reading and some in writing showing acceleration. The data trajectory for these individual students over the past three years, using the school moderation tool data, indicates many should be achieving at and above curriculum expectation by the end of Year 8.

2 School conditions for equity and excellence – processes and practices

2.1 What school processes and practices are effective in enabling achievement of equity and excellence, and acceleration of learning?

Leadership has established clear and consistent expectations that promote a supportive and collaborative environment conducive to learning and wellbeing. Well embedded processes and practices promote, strengthen and sustain professional development to improve teaching. Goals are clearly established for teachers and leaders. The development of leadership is promoted and well supported.

Children learn in settled, inclusive classes. They are being supported to become self-managing learners. Robust processes are soundly implemented to identify, monitor and suitably respond to the achievement, social and emotional needs of students. Teachers use a range of effective teaching strategies and resources. There is an appropriate differentiation to meet student learning needs. Learning Assistants are used in purposeful ways to support achievement, engagement and social development.

The documented curriculum is specific in its guidance for teachers. It strongly reflects the school values and is aligned to the school’s focus on future learning skills. Students have opportunities to learn and experience a broad curriculum through an integrated inquiry framework. They are involved in a range of enrichment opportunities provided by their local and wider community. Student leadership is promoted for all Year 8 students and their leadership contributes positively to the school culture. The school identifies and draws on community expertise and resources to support students and their families during transition in and out of the school.

Internal review and inquiry is focused on building teacher capability and supporting leadership development. It promotes student outcomes in achievement, engagement and wellbeing. Both meaningfully contribute to ongoing school improvement. Professional development is individualised for professional growth but appropriately aligned to support school goals. A deliberate and systematic appraisal process includes opportunities for teachers and leaders to share their practice and learn from their colleagues.

Parents and whānau are welcomed and involved in school activities and experiences. A range of appropriate communication strategies and tools are used to engage and support whānau and families in their child’s learning. There is a strong focus through the learning opportunities and the use of community place and people to build connected, confident and actively involved learners.

Sound relationships are evident between the board, staff and parents and whānau. Equity for all students is prioritised through resourcing and provision of experiences. The board bring a variety of skills, have undertaken training and provide competent oversight of school operation. There is a strong focus on resourcing the school to maximise student outcomes. Trustees are proactive in attending to their particular governance responsibility.

2.2 What further developments are needed in school processes and practices for achievement of equity and excellence, and acceleration of learning?

The school is a signatory to the Education (Pastoral Care of International Students) Code of Practice 2016 established under section 238F of the Education Act 1989. The school has attested that it complies with all aspects of the Code.

The school promotes a growing focus on cultural responsiveness. A consistent, schoolwide programme is being implemented to build teacher and student knowledge and understanding of te reo me ngā tikanga Māori. Connections with local iwi support the development and implementation of this programme. Continuing to embed this new knowledge and practice will further strengthen the development, and responsiveness, to culture, language and identity.

3 Other matters

Provision for international students

The school is a signatory to the Education (Pastoral Care of International Students) Code of Practice 2016 established under section 238F of the Education Act 1989. The school has attested that it complies with all aspects of the Code.

No international students were enrolled at the time of the ERO review.

4 Board assurance on legal requirements

Before the review, the board 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 the following:

  • board administration
  • curriculum
  • management of health, safety and welfare
  • personnel management
  • finance
  • asset management.

During the review, ERO checked the following items because they have a potentially high impact on student safety and wellbeing:

  • emotional safety of students (including prevention of bullying and sexual harassment)
  • physical safety of students
  • teacher registration and certification
  • processes for appointing staff
  • stand down, suspension, expulsion and exclusion of students
  • attendance
  • school policies in relation to meeting the requirements of the Vulnerable Children Act 2014.

5 ERO’s overall judgement

On the basis of the findings of this review, ERO‘s overall evaluation judgement of Kairanga School performance in achieving valued outcomes for its students is: Well placed.

ERO’s Framework: Overall School Performance is available on ERO’s website.

6 Going forward

Key strengths of the school

For sustained improvement and future learner success, the school can draw on existing strengths in:

  • leadership that is consistent in its vision for high achievement outcomes for all students
  • a culture of collaborative capability building that maintains high expectations for teaching and learning
  • inclusive practices that are responsive to student needs, promote their wellbeing and support their learning progress and success.

Next steps

For sustained improvement and future learner success, priorities for further development are in:

  • sharpening current achievement targets to more clearly identify those students in need of acceleration and achieve equity for all groups in the school
  • continuing to build teacher knowledge of te reo Māori and understanding of tikanga Māori to support teachers to respond more effectively to students’ identity, language and culture.

Phillip Cowie

Director Review and Improvement Services Central Region

26 April 2019

About the school

Location

Palmerston North

Ministry of Education profile number

2370

School type

Full Primary

School roll

162

Gender composition

Male 56%, Female 44%

Ethnic composition

Māori 19%
Pākehā 74%
Other ethnic groups 7%

Students with Ongoing Resourcing Funding (ORS)

Yes

Provision of Māori medium education

No

Review team on site

February 2019

Date of this report

26 April 2019

Most recent ERO report(s)

Education Review May 2015
Education Review April 2012
Education Review February 2009

Kairanga School - 06/05/2015

Findings

Relationships among staff, the board and community are respectful. Shared aspirations for the school’s future are evident. The curriculum develops students’ people skills, adaptability, creativity and confidence with technology, for future-focused learning. There is a strong culture of active learning and deliberate teaching in every classroom. Students are set up to succeed and the majority are high achievers.

ERO is likely to carry out the next review in four-to-five years.

1 Context

What are the important features of this school that have an impact on student learning?

Kairanga School is a Years 1 to 8 school situated close to Palmerston North city. It retains rural traditions with a community and family-friendly culture. The ‘Kairanga Kid’ has been developed as a visual representation of the school’s vision, values and key competencies for lifelong learning and citizenship. The roll of 154 includes 29 who are Māori. Leadership is a key feature of the curriculum especially for Year 8 students.

Senior leaders, teachers and teacher aides work as a professional and experienced team. Relationships among staff and with the board and community are respectful. Shared aspirations for the school’s future are evident.

The reality of the vision, ‘Building Firm Foundations for a Lifetime of Learning’ has been further embedded since the April 2012 ERO report. Increasingly flexible use of teaching spaces and cooperative teaching has occurred. Development has been carefully considered, planned and reviewed by the board and teachers. The next stage of modifying and opening up spaces is beginning. This report evaluates how well prepared the school is for future-focused teaching and learning and what is likely to contribute to success.

2 Learning

How well does this school use achievement information to make positive changes to learners’ engagement, progress and achievement?

Senior leaders, trustees, teachers, parents and students use achievement information effectively to promote and sustain individual learner’s progress. School data shows that the majority of students achieve at or above expectation in relation to the National Standards in literacy and mathematics. Very good results have been sustained over years.

Annual targets for improved achievement are ambitious and concentrated on individual students making accelerated progress. In-depth analysis of results and regular reports from staff guide the board’s forward-planning decisions. Student progress and achievement is under constant scrutiny by trustees and staff.

Teachers very deliberately focus on individual students in their class. Assessment is for learning, progress is monitored, programmes are adjusted and very specific next steps are shared with learners. All teachers know each student well. This is a carefully-considered strategy to use teachers’ collective expertise to find solutions and share what makes the most difference. Cross-staff sharing also enables every student to begin effective learning on day one, each year. Continuity of information sharing minimises the negative effects of transition.

The planned assessment review is to examine how well practices meet the requirements of future-focused learning. ERO agrees that the review is likely to identify strengths in current practice and areas where students’ role in assessment could be further developed. It should also enhance manageable and purposeful goal setting and the cooperative nature of teacher assessment.

Students increasingly monitor and take responsibility for their own progress as they move through to Year 8. In the junior school, records of progress are appropriately visual. Students know the purpose for tasks and self assess the quality of their work. There is considerable peer support and assessment. Students help teachers set criteria to measure how well they are doing.

Students with more complex needs receive good levels of assistance to be effective learners. School culture is inclusive and every child is valued. There are high expectations for progress. Milestones are celebrated.

Parents are well informed about their children’s progress and achievement. Personal contact with teachers is regular and the family-friendly culture encourages parent partnerships for learning. Ways to help at home are shared and discussed.

3 Curriculum

How effectively does this school’s curriculum promote and support student learning?

The curriculum is highly effective in promoting student progress and achievement. There is good direction for teachers, broad interpretation and scope, and recognition of students’ interests and abilities. The outcome is a learner-centred curriculum that challenges and continues to evolve towards the future. As the cycle of review continues, it is appropriate to evaluate current practice and consider further opportunities to promote the bicultural nature of the curriculum.

Literacy and mathematics learning are appropriate priorities. Ample time is given to the arts, physical activity and education beyond the classroom. The increasing emphasis on science should complement local studies and add to existing opportunities that challenge students to challenge themselves.

Enrichment programmes, including the specific senior team extension programme, provide opportunities for students to self select a curriculum focus based on interest, experience or special ability. Programmes, including financial literacy learning, careers and Young Enterprise activities encourage students to be creative and to apply literacy and mathematics in a broader context.

The attributes for successful lifelong learning are taught and practised progressively as students move through the school. Students are increasingly confident when talking about their learning, are independent and demonstrate the ‘Kairanga Kid’ values.

There is a strong culture of active learning and well-targeted teaching in every classroom. Students persevere and sustain an interest in tasks. They are set up to succeed. Expectations for high quality work are shared and there is a sense of urgency to make progress.

Relationships are trusting between teachers and their students. Students know and can manage routines and organisation. They are confident about moving within spaces and interacting with different adults. Experienced teacher aides skilfully make a definite difference to students’ ability to consolidate their learning and work regularly with an adult for instructional purposes.

The impact of the curriculum is that students have people skills, adaptability, creativity, and communication and technology skills to equip them for future-focused learning.

How effectively does the school promote educational success for Māori, as Māori?

Māori students’ high levels of academic, social and physical achievement are outcomes of the effective school curriculum and parent partnerships in learning. Whānau share their interests, talents and willingness to contribute expertise. Discussion at these meetings and more formal surveys indicate strong support for the school’s values.

The environment shows very clearly that this is a New Zealand school. Local contexts for learning, including history, are integrated. The school has grown its relationship with mana whenua and takes advice from kaumatua at Te Rangimarie Marae.

In addition to whānau input, the board consults with and reports to iwi when the school charter is reviewed.

Māori students are leaders and role models. The newly re-formed kapa haka group should provide further opportunities for students to share their language and culture.

4 Sustainable Performance

How well placed is the school to sustain and improve its performance?

The school is very well placed to sustain and improve its performance. The board plans wisely for the future, making carefully considered decisions to support teaching and learning. Trustees contribute a range of complementary skills to their roles and capably undertake their responsibilities. Board governance has been strengthened and made more efficient through a review of its operating model.

Parents, family and community views are sought and valued. As future-focused learning evolves, the board shows commitment to all concerned having input and being well informed. Students’ well being for success is the priority.

The principal provides knowledgeable professional leadership, promoting the school’s vision and values and leading the expectation for high quality teaching and learning. Senior leaders are effective drivers of change. The approach is thoughtful, reflective and collegial. Teachers respond to challenge and feel supported.

Critical reflection and evaluation play a significant role in board, senior leader and teacher practice. There is emphasis on improvement, looking beyond the school and ensuring connections with the ‘Kairanga Kid’ vision remains strong. A high degree of trust is evident among adults and students. Critical review at all levels should continue to assist the school in realising its vision for future-focused learning.

Teachers’ professional learning and development is making a significant difference to their practice. It impacts positively on students’ confidence, motivation and academic progress. Connections with the cooperative future-focused learning and teaching model are intentional.

Each Year 8 student is well prepared, through leadership opportunities, for the next level of schooling. Leadership is a progressive skill developed from enrolment at aged five years. Senior students are resilient, confident role models who respond to the high expectations of parents and teachers. Links with secondary schools, including feedback from Year 9 students, contribute to curriculum decisions that equip students to transition successfully.

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

Relationships among staff, the board and community are respectful. Shared aspirations for the school’s future are evident. The curriculum develops students’ people skills, adaptability, creativity and confidence with technology, for future-focused learning. There is a strong culture of active learning and deliberate teaching in every classroom. Students are set up to succeed and the majority are high achievers.

ERO is likely to carry out the next review in four-to-five years.Image removed.

Joyce Gebbie

Deputy Chief Review Officer Central

6 May 2015

About the School

Location

Palmerston North

Ministry of Education profile number

2370

School type

Full Primary (Years 1 to 8)

School roll

154

Gender composition

Male 54%

Female 46%

Ethnic composition

Māori

Pākehā

18%

82%

Review team on site

March 2015

Date of this report

6 May 2015

Most recent ERO report(s)

Education Review

Education Review

April 2012

February 2009