Education Review Office (ERO) Report December 2008
The Education Review Office visited Waiheke High School as part of their three year review cycle.
The visit was a most positive one and the School enjoyed the genuine interest that the ERO reviewers showed in the School and its staff and students.
The team of three reviewers did a very thorough analysis of class room teaching, examination results, co-curricular participation and visited almost all classrooms during the time that they were at School.
The following are direct quotes from the ERO Report on Waiheke High School following their visit in October 2008:
* Waiheke High School provides well for the educational needs of its students.
* ERO observed high levels of on-task behaviour during lessons and mutually respectful relationships between teachers and students and among students themselves.
* Classroom activities are relevant and interesting, and include opportunities for developing students’ skills in higher order thinking.
* Teaching practice in the majority of classrooms is of a very good standard, with some particularly high quality practices evident across the school.
* Students interviewed during this review stated that they valued the school’s pleasant and friendly tone, and the good relationships they enjoyed with staff and their peers.
* Classes have a busy, productive tone and students maintain very good levels of on task behaviour during lessons.
* Overall annual increases in junior student achievement in reading and mathematics exceed national average increases.
* Students affirm and show appreciation for the opportunities they have to develop their leadership skills and to participate in the wider life of the school.
* The principal provides strong educational leadership and is well respected by students and staff.
* He is supported by a capable senior management team, who work collaboratively to progress school priorities of teaching and learning.
* Teachers are hard working and respond well to professional challenge.
* The Board of Trustees is well organised and and knowledgeable about all aspects of school governance.
* Connections with the local marae continue to strengthen and the school receives good parental and community support for its sporting, cultural, performing arts and other social events and celebrations.
* Community volunteers support the school’s Sea Sports Academy and its reading hospitality and viticulture programmes.
* Information about senior student achievement indicates increasing success rates over time for Maori students in NCEA and overall higher levels of attainment than those for Maori nationally.
* The Piringakau Cultural Academy provides opportunities for students to learn more about tikanga Maori and places emphasis on developing life skills and leadership abilities in an environment characterised by whanautanga.
* The principal, staff and board actively seek to promote student awareness of Maori perspectives.
* International students particularly like the school’s island location and special opportunities it provides for experiencing the natural environment.
* International students also speak positively about their living arrangements.
***Read the full ERO report here***
