9 August 2010

To the Parents and Community of Brookfield School

These are the findings of the Education Review Office’s latest report on

Brookfield School is a contributing primary school that caters for students from Years 1 to 6, located in Tauranga. The current roll is 229, of whom almost fifty percent are Pakeha/European with 5 Pacific students.

Since the last review, the roll and governance of the school have remained stable. There have been some changes in staffing including the appointment of a new associate principal. Significant property developments include the construction of a new classroom and upgrading of toilets, ventilation systems and the outside lunch area.

Student achievement data shows that most students are achieving within the range of national age-expected levels in literacy and mathematics. The proportion of students achieving at above average levels is, however, lower than national expectations. Achievement targets have been set to address this. Maori students are achieving at levels slightly below those of non-Maori in literacy and at comparable levels in Mathematics.

The school’s data also indicates that most students are making good progress in literacy and mathematics as they move through the school, including those involved in literacy intervention programmes.

A notable feature of the school is a highly inclusive school wide culture that is characterised by positive and affirming relationships between students and staff, and a settled, supportive climate for learning in which students have a sense of belonging.

Other significant features of the school identified in this review are:

• teachers who are skilled practitioners, deliver high quality learning programmes and work well together as a co-operative team;
• effective use of student achievement information to inform planning and decision making at whole school and classroom level leading to high quality self review;
• attractively presented, well resourced physical environments that reflect pride in the school;
• a strong commitment to promoting success for Maori students and affirmation of their sense of belonging and identity within the school; and
• an effective partnership and positive communication with parents to support students learning and well being.

The agreed priorities between the school and ERO for further development are to strengthen the use of information communication technologies (ICT) to support learning and consolidate the use of strategies to involve students in decision making about their learning.

The principal provides well informed and highly effective professional leadership for the school. He has a collaborative and reflective style of leadership and is widely respected in the school community. The associate principals are appropriate role-models of quality teaching practice and are highly supportive of staff within their areas of school.

Board members have a good understanding of their governance responsibilities, consult regularly with the school community about the school’s strategic direction and bring enthusiasm and a range of experiences and expertise to their roles.

Future Action

ERO is likely to carry out the next review of the school in four to five years.

Review Coverage

This report provides an evaluation of how effectively the school’s curriculum promotes student learning – engagement, progress and achievement. ERO’s evaluation takes account of the school’s previous reporting history and is based on; what is known about student achievement information using assessment , including the achievement of Maori and Pacific students; decisions made to improve student achievement using assessment and self-review information; and teaching strategies and programmes implemented to give effect to the school’s curriculum.

ERO also gather information during the review to contribute to its national reports.

The national reports are published in ERO’s website.

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

Richard Thornton

National Manager Review Services