Orakei School Shines in Education Review Office

Orakei School Shines in Education Review Office Evaluation

22 September 2010: Orakei School's vision of developing students' digital and emotional literacy to enable them to succeed as 21st century learners is paying dividends, according to the results of their recent Education Review Office (ERO) evaluation.

The ERO report, published last month, provides an evaluation of how effectively Orakei School's curriculum promotes student learning - taking into account student engagement, progress and achievement, as well as the school's previous reporting history.

The results show that this decile 3 school is on the right track. Its 121 ethnically diverse students "work independently and skilfully access resources to further their learning". Teachers at the school "use a variety of effective strategies to engage students in thinking about their learning".

Most students are achieving in the average and above bands in reading, but importantly, they have "positive attitudes towards reading." Writing achievement at the school indicates that "most are achieving at national curriculum expectations".

Orakei School's commitment to excellence and literacy development begins at enrolment, when every child receives a special gift of books donated by the Books in Home Programme. Their innovative Literacy Programme is supported by Professor Tom Nicholson from Massey University as well as St Cuthbert’s High School students and staff from national law firm Simpson Grierson, who assist with reading clinics and student mentoring.

Mobile learning takes place with the use of Vodafone sponsored mobiles and notebooks. And the school also runs a comprehensive Homework Centre with a focus on literacy and information communication technology,

It's not surprising then, that students are described in the report as being "enthusiastic about what they are taught and are able to relate what they learn to their everyday experiences". They also "talk confidently and openly about their future aspirations".

"I think the wonderful relationships across the school are the key to our success," says recently appointed Orakei School Principal, Michael Maher. "Students feel safe and valued, and this makes it easier for them to access the curriculum and achieve."

"The teachers know each student by first name and this goes a long way to creating the kind of culture we value, and one that is instantly obvious to visitors to our school."

Orakei School is also recognised in the report for having "close historical and cultural links with local hapu Ngāti Whātua o Orakei".

"Respectful and warm relationships contribute to a school culture in which students connect well with each other and with their learning."

Principal Maher says the school has come a long way in recent times and there is "real cohesion between the teachers, parents and board that is setting a strong strategic direction for the future".

"We want Orakei to be the school of choice for our community and this ERO report shows we are on our way. I look forward to sharing more good news stories about the school with the community in the future."

Orakei School's full report is available to view on the ERO website at: http://www.ero.govt.nz

ENDS

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