Bromley School

School Context

Bromley School is a contributing (Years 1-6) primary school in east Christchurch. It has a roll of 365 students, about 31% of whom are Māori.

The school’s mission statement, ‘Achieving personal growth for all through strong community partnerships and innovative teaching and learning’, is the essence of the school’s Reggio-Inspired philosophy. The philosophy is based on the principles of ‘respect, building strong relationships with children and their families, and having an image that all children are full of potential, and are capable of developing their own ideas and knowledge with the support of their parents and teachers’.

The school’s vision is ‘Creating innovative, global citizens to thrive in a changing world’. The vision is aligned with providing teaching and learning to meet the unique needs of each child. The foundations for achieving the vision are the school values: Connected, Creative, Curious, Courageous, and Caring.

Valued outcomes are expressed in the school’s graduate profile. Learners will:

• possess a range of skills, knowledge and positive attitudes

• show empathy, and respect the cultures, values and beliefs of others

• have many learning stories to draw upon and make connections to

• understand who they are and what it means to achieve personal success.

Current strategic priorities inform teaching practices and schoolwide themes. The priorities are linked to the school’s philosophy and the connecting ideas of ‘Identity and Diversity’ (uniqueness of the individual) and ‘Manaakitanga’ (showing respect, generosity and care). The priorities are: students flourishing in their academic skills, the encouragement and celebration of character development, partnerships with whānau/families to grow students’ learning capacity, and fostering a culture of excellence, creativity, and unique learning experiences.

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

• achievement in reading, writing and mathematics
• outcomes related to engagement and wellbeing for success
• whole-school improvement, or other trends and patterns in reading, writing and mathematics over time.

The school has an onsite Social Worker in Schools (SWIS) to support wellbeing initiatives.

The school is part of the Tamai Kāhui Ako|Community of Learning.

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 is effectively using a range of strategies and interventions to support improving outcomes for equity and excellence.

End of year 2018 school information shows that:

• the majority of children are achieving at or above expectations in reading, writing and mathematics (Years 1 to 6)

• by the end of Year 6 most children achieve at or above expectations in reading, writing and mathematics

• most Māori and Pacific children achieve particularly well in writing

• almost all Year 6 Māori children achieve at or above expectations in reading, writing and mathematics.

Schoolwide information over the last three years shows overall improvement in achievement in reading, writing and mathematics. There is a small disparity in literacy, with girls achieving slightly better.

While most children achieve well by the end of Year 6, 2018 data shows some disparity at other cohort levels. The school has recognised where patterns of underachievement occur and has strategies in place to address these.

Assessment practices for children with additional learning and/or wellbeing needs are individualised, and provide information about individual progress and achievement.

The school actively addresses children’s wellbeing. Comparative data shows most children enjoy school as a result of an explicit approach that builds children’s sense of wellbeing and belonging.

There has been a steady decrease in the number of stand downs over time.

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

The school is effective in accelerating the learning of targeted groups of children. The school’s target for promoting progress in mathematics in 2018 shows that approximately one third of children made accelerated progress. School leaders are prioritising the need to, and developing strategies for, clearly identifying, addressing and reporting acceleration of learning for Māori and Pacific children.

Children with additional learning needs are provided with a wide range of learning opportunities, benefit from inclusive practices, and are well supported to make progress.

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?

The school effectively prioritises the achievement of equity and excellence, and acceleration of learning. A capable, future-focused board collaborates with school leaders to support children’s learning and progress. Trustees and leaders utilise their collective expertise, knowledge and relationships with others in the educational community to strategically resource programmes for equity and excellence.

Collaborative school leaders have a clear vision for enhancing learning and wellbeing for all children. Their strategic approach to school improvements is underpinned by a strong understanding of shared valued outcomes, their enactment of the school’s specific philosophy, and their high expectations for achieving the school’s vision. They are responsive to identified schoolwide needs and actively promote a positive and reflective learning community.

Teaching and learning programmes reflect the commitment of all staff to the learning, wellbeing and other needs of children. An innovative, local curriculum emphasises character development alongside principles of ‘learning readiness’ and opportunities for children to determine their own learning pathways. A thoughtful, well designed programme of learning with digital technology is increasing children’s access to the curriculum and increasing their engagement in meaningful learning.

Curriculum development is well considered, student centred, tailored to the school’s context, and culturally responsive. Te ao Māori and Pacific concepts and learning are prioritised in planning. Te reo Māori and Pacific languages and cultural programmes are increasingly delivered across the whole school or for targeted learners. Holistic and inclusive approaches to children’s wellbeing build their confidence and connections with learning.

Positive relationships and partnerships with families/whānau are increasingly learning and wellbeing focused. The school communicates authentically with parents in a range of ways, at school and in the wider community. These relationships help to enrich the learning opportunities and experiences for all children within the localised curriculum.

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

School leaders and ERO agree that the school needs to:

• further strengthen practices for the analysis of schoolwide achievement information, to promote equitable and excellent outcomes for identified groups of children (including Māori, Pacific, other priority learners and target groups)

• embed and consistently implement processes for staff appraisal

• further develop processes and practices for systematic schoolwide internal evaluation.

3 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.

4 ERO’s Overall Judgement

On the basis of the findings of this review, ERO’s overall evaluation judgement of Bromley School performance in achieving valued outcomes for its students is: Strong.

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

5 Going forward

Key strengths of the school

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

• capable, future-focused and responsive leadership which has a clear vision for promoting and achieving equity and excellence
• an innovative, student centred curriculum that is aligned with the school’s philosophy and the interests, needs and identities of learners
• positive and authentic relationships with families/whānau that are increasingly learning centred.

Next steps

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

• strengthening the analysis of achievement information to inform practices for equity and excellence
• embedding and consistently implementing appraisal processes
• continuing to refine processes and practices for systematic schoolwide internal evaluation.

Alan Wynyard

Director Review and Improvement Services

Southern Region

8 April 2019

About the school

1 Context

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

One of the strongest features of Bromley School is its Reggio-Inspired philosophy that increasingly defines the school’s curriculum, relationships and teaching and learning. The high value placed on respecting and listening to students, providing meaningful and creative learning opportunities, as well as ensuring that learning is child-led and holistic are characteristics of this philosophy in action at the school.

The school’s significant roll growth over the last three years has resulted in increased staffing, a growing diversity amongst students and challenges regarding space. The board is in the process of establishing an enrolment zone and is at the planning stage of major building redevelopment. The board, senior leaders and staff continue to effectively manage the ongoing impact of the Canterbury earthquakes for many students, their families and the community.

Located separately on the school’s grounds is a class from a local special school and a kindergarten. The school has a number of students with high learning needs for whom they receive additional funding and support. Positive school, parent and community relationships result in the school receiving a range of practical support from a variety of sources and agencies.

The board, leaders and staff have retained the strengths identified in the 2012 ERO review. They have addressed the recommendations made at that time and made good progress towards implementing most of them.

2 Learning

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

The school makes very effective use of achievement information to foster student progress and achievement. This effectiveness is most evident in the:

• clear systems in place to identify, track and monitor learning needs and progress at class, syndicate and school-wide levels
• sound processes for using achievement information to set targets and develop useful action plans
• appropriate analysis and reporting of trends and patterns to the board, and trustees’ well- considered decision making regarding this information
• regular sharing of a variety of achievement information with students and their parents, so they are well informed about progress and achievement.

The board and school leaders, along with teaching and support staff, have established strong structures and systems for giving additional support to students who are most at risk of underachieving. This support is very well coordinated, targeted and monitored. It includes a wide range of needs-based interventions and the extensive use of external agencies and expertise.

Area for review and development

School leaders should extend the range of achievement information they analyse and report to the board. This information should include the impact of additional learning support and other interventions on students’ progress and achievement.

3 Curriculum

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

The school’s curriculum effectively promotes and supports students’ learning. This is most evident in an overall positive trend in school-wide achievement over time and in the very good levels of student engagement in learning. As well, many younger students make accelerated progress in literacy, including oral language, in their early years at the school.

Student achievement is highest in writing. Strong provisions exist for continuing to support students’ oral language development. The school is giving necessary priority to improving student achievement in mathematics.

Teaching programmes give students suitable opportunities to experience success across the curriculum. Students take part in many interest-based, “hands-on” activities that require problem solving and critical thinking. The school’s philosophy is very evident in many classrooms that are vibrant and high-interest learning environments.

Many examples of high quality teaching exist within the school. School leaders know where the quality of teaching must be improved. Teachers and students benefit from the interesting range of resources for teaching and learning. The increasing availability and use of digital technologies is part of a planned approach to further promote learning. Leaders use a range of deliberate strategies to help ensure class placements support positive outcomes for all students.

Students learn in positive, inclusive and respectful learning environments. Supportive relationships and interactions, along with the use of strategies that promote calm and settled behaviour, help to ensure that students can focus on their learning.

The school’s pastoral care and strengths-based approach to the wellbeing of students and their families are notable strengths. Leaders and staff act as strong advocates for students and their families. School resources, along with community support, ensure the people, processes and services are in place to respond effectively to existing and emerging needs.

Links with local schools and other early childhood centres support students’ successful transitions to school.

Area for review and development

Senior leaders should continue to extend the school’s curriculum documents to ensure cohesion and clear identification of:

• the school’s unique context, philosophy, vision and values
• expectations and guidelines for high quality teaching and learning that better reflect the best of what happens across classrooms and learning areas.

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

The school is increasingly promoting educational success for Māori, as Māori, particularly through the initiatives introduced in 2015. School wide, Māori students are generally achieving well in literacy and mathematics and are making positive progress over time.

Areas of progress include:

• consultation with whānau and iwi to establish a well-developed action plan that identifies goals and priorities for improvement
• having a school kaumatua, re-instigating kapa haka and the increased focus on integrating tikanga and te reo Māori into classroom programmes
• the appointment of a leadership group to take responsibility for current and future developments.

How effectively does the school promote education success for Pacific students

Progress is also evident in the way the school is promoting education success for Pacific students, especially in regard to developments that have occurred in 2015. For example:

• a well-developed action plan that identifies goals and priorities for improvement has been established
• increased staffing is helping to provide more support for Pacific students’ learning and cultural identity
• school leaders are strengthening links with the Pacific community
• the school is making greater use of external support and expertise to guide their actions.

Area for review and development

The board and school leaders should now include in the school’s annual review cycle an evaluation of progress towards goals for Māori and Pacific students.

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. The board and leaders are effectively promoting the school’s philosophy. The principal and senior leadership team have created a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement. This is also evident in the two, well-led teaching syndicates. Decision making at board and leadership levels is clearly focused on promoting students’ learning and wellbeing.

Leaders are aware of key areas that need improvement and are actively addressing these. Efforts to raise achievement through accelerated student progress are being supported through well- considered teaching and professional development initiatives.

The school is well governed by a stable, proactive board. Trustees understand their roles and responsibilities through their own experiences and ongoing board training. They actively support initiatives linked to promoting equity and excellence, particularly those focused on raising student achievement and promoting student wellbeing.

A positive partnership is evident between the board and senior leaders. The school’s ongoing programme of self review provides the board with a useful range of information. Trustees are increasingly using review reports to scrutinise the work of the school and, where necessary, seek more information to support their decision making.

The board’s current in-depth review of its charter, including its strategic and annual plans, is timely. Sound consultation processes are being used to support the review process.

Professional development is becoming increasingly comprehensive and is appropriately targeted at both collective and individual staff needs. Professional learning opportunities include workshops and achieve a good balance between the use of internal and external expertise.

Areas for review and development

The board and ERO agree that addressing the following priorities for review and development will place the school in an increasingly stronger position to sustain and improve its work. These include:

• the principal and senior leadership team reviewing leadership roles and responsibilities to ensure the spread of responsibilities is both greater and more equitable
• continued emphasis on building leadership capacity across the school
• the board continuing its review of the school charter and related plans to ensure increasing clarity about priorities and robust evaluation of outcomes
• the board and school leaders continuing to strengthen and extend the scope of the school’s ongoing programme of self review.

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

The school’s philosophy is clearly evident in curriculum programmes and learning environments that promote creativity, curiosity and exploration. The positive and inclusive school culture is purposefully focused on students’ learning, wellbeing and engagement. Students have suitable opportunities to achieve success across the curriculum.

ERO is likely to carry out the next review in three years.

Chris Rowe

Deputy Chief Review Officer Southern (Acting)

1 December 2015

About the School