4 North City Road , Rototuna North, Hamilton
View on mapHamilton Christian School
Hamilton Christian School
School Evaluation Report
Tēnā koutou e mau manawa rahi ki te kaupapa e aro ake nei, ko te tamaiti te pūtake o te kaupapa. Mā wai rā e kawe, mā tātau katoa.
We acknowledge the collective effort, responsibility and commitment by all to ensure that the child remains at the heart of the matter.
Context
Hamilton Christian School is an integrated Years 1 to 13 school located in the western districts of Hamilton city. The special character of the school is built around the Christian faith.
There are two parts to this report.
Part A: An evaluative summary of learner success and school conditions to inform the school board’s future strategic direction, including any education in Rumaki/bilingual settings.
Part B: The improvement actions prioritised for the school’s next evaluation cycle.
Part A: Current State
The following findings are to inform the school’s future priorities for improvement.
Learner Success and Wellbeing
A large majority of students make good progress and experience academic success. |
- A large majority of students gained the National Certificate in Education Achievement (NCEA) Level 2 and University Entrance, most gained Level 3; NCEA Level 1 is not offered.
- Most students in Years 1 to 10 achieve at or above expected curriculum levels in reading, writing and mathematics.
- Students demonstrate a strong connection to the school and are well supported by teachers in their wellbeing and academic needs.
- A large majority of students attend regularly; the school is not yet meeting the Ministry of Education target for regular attendance.
Leaders are effective in strategically leading change for ongoing improvement to support learner success. |
- Strategic planning provides clear direction and future focused priorities; cohesion in realising strategic goals is through thorough annual planning that details specific action for senior secondary, junior secondary and primary sections of the school.
- The school’s organisational structure fosters effective, confident leadership across the school.
- Leaders proactively promote and model expectations for a positive school culture and respectful relationships underpinned by the school’s values.
Teaching practice is consistent across the school and effectively responds to the learning needs of students. |
- Teaching practice is relational and affirming between students and teachers; classrooms have clearly established routines and expectations for learning.
- Collaborative and consistent school wide planning ensures smooth student transition from one year level to the next.
- Different teaching practices are evident at the various year levels, meeting the needs of groups of learners.
The board, leaders and teachers are embedding schoolwide conditions to support student outcomes. |
- Students are offered a wide range of learning opportunities through The New Zealand Curriculum, Trades Academies and extra-curricular activities; high levels of engagement are evident in students’ successful outcomes.
- The school has established strong connections with the local community, including growing relationships with iwi, who have assisted in strengthening tikanga Māori that complements the school’s special character.
- Regular reporting to the board from school leaders ensures members have relevant analysed data and information to make well informed decisions about resourcing and future priorities.
- Analysed achievement data is used well to monitor student progress, identify and respond to those students requiring additional support.
Part B: Where to next?
The agreed next steps for the school are to:
- continue to develop the school’s curriculum, including for changes in English and mathematics, and for senior courses, to meet the learning needs of students
- continue to address attendance issues so that more learners attend regularly
- ensure appropriate planning and resourcing are in place to manage and sustain the anticipated growth of the school roll, to ensure effective teaching and learning and positive student outcomes are sustained.
The agreed actions for the next improvement cycle and timeframes are as follows.
Within six months:
- begin to review the senior school curriculum and ensure teachers are prepared to deliver the refreshed English and mathematics curriculum
- explore and investigate strategies to increase attendance for all students and incorporate this in the school’s strategic and annual plans
- develop an action plan to ensure that appropriate resources are in place to effectively manage the projected roll growth of the school, to sustain high quality teaching and learning and positive learning outcomes
Every six months:
- evaluate the progress made in implementing curriculum changes in English and mathematics, and review of the senior school curriculum, to identify further actions needed
- continue to monitor student attendance data and to identify strategies that are working and what further steps need to be taken
Annually:
- provide an update on the progress made in implementing curriculum changes and identify next steps for the following year
- report attendance data to the board, scrutinise to identify trends and patterns and further actions needed
- present to the board current and projected roll numbers for the following year and how changes are managed to maintain high quality teaching and learning.
Actions taken against these next steps are expected to result in:
- sustained and improved outcomes for all learners
- a well embedded curriculum that meets the needs of all learners, including in the senior school
- improved regular student attendance
- effective planning and resourcing to manage roll growth that sustains high quality teaching and learning.
ERO’s role will be to support the school in its evaluation for improvement cycle to improve outcomes for all learners. The next public report on ERO’s website will be a School Evaluation Report and is due within three years.
Me mahi tahi tonu tātau, kia whai oranga a tātau tamariki
Let’s continue to work together for the greater good of all children
Sharon Kelly
Acting Director of Schools
24 February 2025
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
Hamilton Christian School
Board Assurance with Regulatory and Legislative Requirements Report 2024 to 2027
As of September 2024, the Hamilton Christian 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
Actions for Compliance
ERO and the board have identified the following area of non-compliance during the board assurance process:
- renew police vets for non-teaching staff every three years.
[S4 Education and Training Act 2020]
The board has since addressed the area of non-compliance identified.
Further Information
For further information please contact Hamilton Christian School, 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.
Sharon Kelly
Acting Director of Schools
24 February 2025
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
Hamilton Christian 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 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 2000. The school has attested that it complies with all aspects of the Code and has completed an annual self-review of its implementation of the Code.
At the time of the review there were 30 long term international students attending the school, predominately from China.
Schoolwide policies, practices and procedures have been developed to ensure student needs in wellbeing and academic learning are well supported by international and teaching staff.
International students have full access to The New Zealand Curriculum and are supported to achieve success in their academic goals and aspirations.
Students have many opportunities for involvement in schoolwide activities that meet their interests and are positively integrated within the school culture and environment. Students spoken to by ERO enjoyed their experience at the school and value the opportunity to develop in their English language learning. They appreciate the support they receive from staff and the friendships made during their time at the school.
Sharon Kelly
Acting Director of Schools
24 February 2025
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
Hamilton Christian School - 15/06/2015
On the basis of the information obtained during the review, ERO considers that Hamilton 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.
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.
2. Criteria for Registration
The school provides a safe and well-ordered environment for students and staff. Premises and equipment are suitable for purpose. In line with its mission statement Hamilton Christian School is clearly Christ-centred in all areas of school life and tuition. The board makes sound financial provision to support teaching and learning across the school. There has been considerable investment in computer technology to enhance the curriculum. Classrooms are well resourced and teachers are conscientious in providing attractive and informative learning environments for students.
The board is committed to employing suitably qualified teachers who have a Christian background, to work in the school. The principal is proactive in fulfilling his role as professional advisor to the board. He is well informed about education and with support from the deputy principal, provides informed professional leadership to the board, staff and parent community.
The principal has developed a robust appraisal process for staff. Teachers are well supported to meet expectations through a rich and varied programme of professional learning and development. They are providing effective programmes for learning, and students make very good progress as they move through the school.
Well-analysed, school-wide achievement data, especially for senior students, indicates high levels of achievement in the National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA). The number of students achieving endorsements and University Entrance passes compares favourably with other similar schools.
The school provides a broad curriculum that is strongly underpinned by Christian values and beliefs. Since the previous ERO review in 2011 the principal has worked collaboratively with teachers to embed the International Cambridge Primary Curriculum at Years 1 to 8. Currently the school is reviewing its curriculum and enriching this through the integration of aspects of The New Zealand Curriculum. As part of this review process teachers are developing a framework for teaching and assessment in writing that aligns with the Ministry of Education Literacy Learning Progressions. The principal plans to extend this model to reading, mathematics and science curriculum areas.
Parents are well informed about their childrens academic and all round development and progress. School leaders and teachers are increasingly involving parents as partners in their childrens learning.
The schools managers have attested that they comply with the provisions of section 35 of the Education Act 1989 in respect to their being fit and proper persons to manage the school.
ERO, trustees and principal have identified the following areas for continuing development:
- diagnostically using student achievement information to better inform teaching and learning
- involving students in discussions about their achievement information so that they understand it, and know how to progress to the next level.
3. Other Obligations
There are good systems in place for the school’s managing body to be assured that its other statutory obligations are meet.
4. Other Matters
Provision for international students
The school is a signatory to the Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students 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 ERO review there were five international students attending the school.
The school has well-developed systems in place to care for and support international students. These students receive one-to-one tuition in English and are well supported to become actively involved in the life of the school. Designated staff members maintain close contact with international students, their families and home-stay carers. Students’ academic progress is closely monitored and reported to parents.
5. Conclusion
On the basis of the information obtained during the review, ERO considers that Hamilton Christian School meets the criteria for registration as a private school set out in the Education Act 1989.
Dale Bailey
Deputy Chief Review Officer Northern
15 June 2015
About the School
Location |
Hamilton |
|
Ministry of Education profile number |
451 |
|
School type |
Composite (Years 1 to 13) |
|
School roll |
337 |
|
Number of international students |
5 |
|
Gender composition |
Girls 52% Boys 48% |
|
Ethnic composition |
NZ European/Pākehā Māori Other European Other Asian Chinese Indian South East Asian Pacific |
57% 4% 19% 7% 5% 4% 3% 1% |
Review team on site |
May 2015 |
|
Date of this report |
15 June 2015 |
|
Most recent ERO report(s) |
Private School Review Private School Review Private School Review |
June 2011 October 2007 September 2004 |
Hamilton Christian School - 27/06/2011
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.
2. Criteria for Registration
Curriculum: The school’s philosophy, values and ethos are the basis of all curriculum planning and delivery with the goal of developing within their students a Christian world view. Governors and school leaders consulted widely in the recent development of the vision and values document that is shared and accepted by their community. While The New Zealand Curriculum is the current basis for teaching programmes school wide, in Years 1 to 13, management and staff are beginning to integrate aspects of the International Cambridge Primary Curriculum for Years 1 to 8. As part of the ongoing review of curriculum, it would be beneficial to develop a cohesive, school-wide plan for teaching and learning.
Staffing and tuition standards: The quality of instruction is sound with teachers consistently using a range of common strategies to encourage and engage students in their learning. Staff model the school vision and values. They are supportive, caring and affirming, respect their students and know families well. Individual student progress and achievement is closely monitored. Teachers and syndicate leaders have access to an extensive range of nationally referenced and school-based data. This is used to inform planning that is responsive to identified needs and special abilities. Consistently high levels of students’ oral and written language were evident in classrooms visited.
There are high expectations for student behaviour and for their contribution to the school community. Students are respectful of themselves, others and their teachers. ERO observed high levels of student engagement and enthusiastic commitment to their learning, which contribute to settled classes and high levels of progress and achievement. Students are encouraged to realise their academic potential in a safe and supportive learning environment.
Premises and equipment: The board of Hamilton Christian School continue to provide and maintain buildings and facilities appropriate to support school programmes and operations. Classes are suitably resourced. Students and teachers have access to good quality resources and equipment that enables the efficient delivery of the school’s curriculum.
The school’s managers have attested that they comply with the provisions of section 35G in respect to their being fit and proper person(s) to manage the school.
3. Other Statutory 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. At the time of this review there were seven international students attending the school.
The school has attested that it complies with all aspects of the Code.
ERO’s investigations confirmed that the school’s self-review process for international students is thorough. International students benefit from the holistic Christian curriculum and high levels of empathetic pastoral care.
Provision for students in the school hostel
Hamilton Christian School does not have a school hostel.
5. Conclusion
On the basis of the information obtained during the review, ERO considers that Hamilton Christian School meets the criteria for registration as a private school set out in the Education Act 1989.
Richard Thornton
National Manager Review Services Northern Region
27 June 2011
About the School
Location |
Hamilton |
|
Ministry of Education profile number |
451 |
|
School type |
Composite (Years 1 to 13) |
|
Decile1 |
9 |
|
School roll |
323 |
|
Number of international students |
7 |
|
Gender composition |
Girls 55% Boys 45% |
|
Ethnic composition |
New Zealand European/Pākehā Other European Other Asian New Zealand Māori Indian Other |
65% 20% 7% 2% 2% 4% |
Review team on site |
May 2011 |
|
Date of this report |
27 June 2011 |
|
Most recent ERO report(s) |
Private School Review Private School Review Accountability Review |
October 2007 September 2004 June 2001 |
1 School deciles range from 1 to 10. Decile 1 schools draw their students from low socio-economic communities and at the other end of the range, decile 10 schools draw their students from high socio-economic communities. Deciles are used to provide funding to state and state integrate schools. The lower the school’s decile the more funding it receives. A school’s decile is in no way linked to the quality of education it provides