ERO REPORT 2007

Isleworth School caters for students from Years 1 to 6. The school grounds are spacious and well equipped and provide students with many opportunities for play and recreation. The buildings are well maintained, with the construction of a new administration area and further development proposed. After some difficulties in 2005, the school now has a stable senior management team following the appointment of an experienced new principal in 2006. She has taken the lead in establishing systems that will provide a sound basis for further development at the school

The 2003 ERO report noted that the positive relationship between the teachers and the students was a feature of the school. It also identified a number of compliance issues that have since been addressed as result of the recent new systems. The board and principal have also made significant improvements to the management of the school-wide curriculum in response to the 2003 report recommendations.

This review focused on the quality of learning and teaching in mathematics and written language, and the quality of governance and management. ERO also evaluated the achievement of Maori and Pacific students and some aspects of health and safety. In all schools reviewed from term two, 2006, ERO is reporting on what the school is doing to prevent bullying, and to identify and address issues, relating to the underachievement of students.

The principal is beginning to collect and analyse student achievement with increasing accuracy, particularly in literacy and numeracy. Most students have improved their reading comprehension by one or more levels. During 2006, the principal’s analysis of written language and numeracy showed that some groups of students were not achieving to expected levels. The teachers have subsequently modified their teaching programmes to help ensure that these levels improve.

Teaching methods are improving, mainly as a result of professional development. During the review, ERO saw many examples of students taking responsibility for their learning. Teachers plan and assess effectively and tailor programmes to the learning abilities and needs of the students. Relationships between the teachers and the students were positive. Students were engaged purposefully in their learning in writing and numeracy.

The teachers have made particular progress in improving the way they assess student achievement in writing and mathematics. The use of national assessments in writing and clearly defined standards in numeracy results in the teachers being able to monitor the progress of individual students more precisely and to identify those students who are not achieving as well as they should. A computerised system for recording accurate achievement should allow levels of student progress to be tracked and reported to parents and the board more efficiently over time. The teachers are aware that their next step is to extend this good practice to other learning areas.

Curriculum leadership is effective. The teachers are provided with clear guidance in developing learning and teaching programmes particularly in written language and mathematics. They are developing their understanding of information and communication technologies and their knowledge of how student achievement is assessed. The teachers are supporting the changes that have occurred through 2006. This has resulted in consistent approaches especially in the junior syndicate.

The board provides useful support for the teachers in these developments. With the support of the principal, trustees have developed a useful framework for effective governance. Comprehensive procedures exist to ensure that, as far as possible, a safe physical and emotional environment is provided for students. Performance agreements are in place for all staff, including ancillary staff. Their performance is appraised against requirements contained in these agreements. One challenge for the school is to ensure that the progress that has been made will be sustained when a new board is elected in 2007.

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.

If you would like a copy of the full report, please contact the school or visit the ERO website www.ero.govt.nz

Isleworth School

Inspiring students to learn and grow together