ERO Report

To read a copy of the full report, click here or contact the school office.

 

22 February 2010

To the Parents and Community of Ladbrooks School

These are the findings of the Education Review Office's latest report on Ladbrooks School.

Ladbrooks School is a small rural school on the outskirts of Christchurch catering for students from Years 1 to 8.  The roll has increased and the board is about to appoint a fifth teacher.  A feature of the school is the care taken by students to look after the school environment.  At the time of the review in November 2009, a landscaping project designed by students was underway to reflect the rural and bicultural setting of the school and the community.

The principal and teachers place a high priority on students taking increasing responsibility for their learning.  This is emphasised in the school's vision and core values which underpin successful learning.  Students' learning would now benefit from further opportunities to set and evaluate their own learning goals.

The board receives well-analysed reports on student achievement information in reading, writing and mathematics.  The reading data from early in 2009 shows that most students are reading at or above the level expected for their age.  The October 2009 report to the board shows that a majority of students had made progress in written language during the year.  The purpose of the numeracy target was to move students to the expected level and beyond for their age.  The principal and teachers have identified the need to further improve the ways in which they report student achievement information to parents. 

Other positive features of learning and teaching observed during the review include:

  • supportive relationships between students and teachers;
  • the effective use of student achievement information to cater for their diverse needs;
  • good systems for identifying and responding to students' needs;
  • the broad range of innovative learning programmes to foster students' interests; and
  • the improvements teachers have made to teaching and learning in written language.

The principal and teachers are well underway with the implementation of the New Zealand Curriculum.  Te reo Māori is part of a school-wide programme of learning to foster students' bicultural awareness.  Teachers need to use te reo Māori more often in the daily classroom programme.  They use information and communication technologies confidently during lessons.  The principal and teachers could develop a more planned approach to reflecting on the effectiveness of their programme and practice.

The board of trustees has made good use of external support to increase its understanding about its roles and responsibilities.  Strategic planning and strengthening community relationships have been the board's priorities.  The board could make more effective use of its strategic and annual planning by formalising its self-review processes.

Future Action

ERO is confident that the board of trustees can govern the school in the interest 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, www.ero.govt.nz.

Graham Randell

National Manager Review Services

Southern Region