22 May 2009
To the Parents and Community of Tauhara College
These are the findings of the Education Review Office’s latest report on Tauhara College.
Tauhara College is a Year 9-13 co-educational school located in Taupo. At the time of this review in April 2009 it had a roll of 519 students 29 percent of whom are identified as Maori. The college has an attached unit for students with special education needs.
In term two 2007 a new principal was appointed and he is providing high quality educational leadership for the college community and has successfully bought about positive changes for the school. The next step is to further consolidate these changes in partnership with the school community. A newly elected board of trustees took over governance in July 2008 from a commissioner. Trustees under the informed and committed leadership of the board chair have established a clear vision and strategic direction for the college. Sound financial management through their, and previous governance, has enabled the provision of a multi-purpose hall and significant upgrades within the learning environments. Trustees have established an effective working relationship with the principal.
Under the principal’s leadership the senior management team, staff, students and community have strengthened relationships and built an inclusive, respectful, affirming culture that emphasises high expectations for behaviour and achievement.
The school gathers achievement information about student reading and writing to show national levels and comparisons at Years 9 and 10. This information indicates that in 2006 and 2007 students entered the school with reading levels below national levels and made significant progress during the year. In 2009 standardised reading entry tests indicate that at Year 9 the proportion of students in the higher levels of achievement is significantly above national distribution, while the high proportion of Maori students in the lower levels remains a challenge for the school.
National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) results since 2006 overall show substantial progress in the proportion of students gaining Level 1 and achievement remaining consistent with national expectations at Levels 2 and 3. The proportion of students, including Maori, retained to Year 13 and leaving with a formal qualification has also increased. Data indicates that Maori student achievement and retention to senior levels continues to improve while remaining below the level of their non-Maori peers.
At Tauhara College students are expected to participate in co-curricular activities such as sport, music, drama and culture. There is a high student participation rate in these activities, with notable success and recognition at regional and national levels. There are also many opportunities for students to develop their leadership abilities and to contribute to the wider life of the community.
Teachers and curriculum leaders have undertaken sustained professional learning, and work collegially within, and between, subject departments to develop and share effective teaching practice. Examples of these practices were observed across the school. Classrooms overall were settled and students on task and motivated to achieve. The school offers a range of special programmes designed to support and extend students’ learning. A special needs unit provides individual programmes and pastoral support both in the unit and mainstream classes for students with physical and intellectual disabilities. Students receive useful guidance in course and career selection and can experience work-based courses that help them to make important choices about future learning pathways. School initiatives to support learning are improving educational outcomes for students.
An extensive pastoral care network reflects the values of respect, courtesy and inclusion that underpin the developing concept of ‘Tauharatanga.’ The pastoral care team keeps parents and staff well informed and they are involved in the planning and implementation of appropriate support and guidance. Students expressed confidence that their pastoral needs are being met and articulated that the school makes every effort to create an environment that is safe, so that they can benefit from the school’s expectations for attendance, attitude and achievement.
Future Action
ERO is confident that the board of trustees can govern the school in the interests of the students and the Crown and bring about the improvements outlined in this report.
ERO is likely to carry out the next review in three years.
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.
Kathleen Atkins
Area Manager
For Chief Review Officer