Papatoetoe Intermediate 20/05/2008
The Education Review Office (ERO) Evaluation
Papatoetoe Intermediate School is a multi-cultural Year 7 and 8 school located in South Auckland. The principal was appointed soon after the 2005 ERO review. His major focus has been the development of the curriculum through a comprehensive teaching and learning professional development programme. The school has also focused on implementing the recently revised New Zealand curriculum.
Students are outgoing and friendly and generally maintain good relationships with each other. They particularly enjoy a wide range of sporting opportunities supported by recent property developments, which include a purpose-built gymnasium and redevelopment of the outdoor court area.
Student achievement information indicates that the majority of students are making progress in mathematics, reading and written language during their time at the school. Senior managers continue to collate, analyse and respond to student achievement information. When compared with national expectations, the school's literacy and numeracy achievement results vary, and are above and below national norms for different year groups of students.
The majority of teachers have positive and productive relationships with their students and use effective teaching strategies. They benefit from an on-going professional learning and development programme that was initiated in 2006. Collegial and professional relationships between teachers support the implementation of this programme. Senior managers agree that it is timely to review the programme to ensure its continued effectiveness.
The principal is knowledgeable about the educational needs of emerging adolescents. The principal and deputy principal are actively involved in regional and national education associations. They provide comprehensive guidelines for school-wide operations, including behaviour management, pastoral care and curriculum implementation. The senior management team, including the two associate principals, is cohesive and supportive.
Trustees bring a range of skills and experience to the board. They have undertaken appropriate training and have a clear understanding of their governance role. The board is committed to continued effective consultation with significant groups within the school community.
This report evaluates the quality of teaching and learning as well as the school's professional learning and development programme. The report comments on the achievement of Māori and Pacific students and how the school meets the needs of international students. Matters related to the safety and welfare of staff and students are also evaluated. ERO and the board of trustees agree that senior managers should further engage with and respond to students, staff and parents in order to ensure a more consistent approach to whole school development.
Future Action
ERO is confident that the board of trustees can manage the school in the interests of the students and the Crown and bring about the improvements outlined in this report.
ERO is likely to review the school again as part of the regular review cycle.
Review Coverage
ERO reviews do not cover every aspect of school performance and each ERO report may cover different issues. The aim is to provide information on aspects that are central to student achievement and useful to this school.
If you would like a copy of the full report, please contact the school or see the ERO website, http://www.ero.govt.nz.