Education Review Office Report
25 July to 27 July 2012 - The Education Review Office conducted another review of Orewa College, results to follow.
26 June 2009
To the Parents and Community of Orewa College
These are the findings of the Education Review Office’s latest report on Orewa College.
Orewa College is a state co-educational school located on the Hibiscus Coast, north of Auckland. It aims to provide a broad education for Year 7 to 13 students so they become tomorrows responsible citizens. The school has undergone considerable change in recent years. There has been an extensive rebuilding programme to accommodate roll growth and the addition of Year 7 and 8 students. A Year 7 to 10 Middle School programme has been developed, as well as school-wide systems for teaching and learning (Ako Orewa) and a values based system that influences and guides student behaviour (Manaaki Orewa). Strong governance and school leadership, working in collaboration with staff, students and the community have supported these developments.
The school provides a settled and structured environment for students to learn and achieve. Sound academic achievement is reflected in students levels of attainment in the National Certificates for Educational Achievement (NCEA). The school's NCEA results show steady improvement in comparison with results from schools of a similar decile. Student achievement in the wide variety of co-curricular activities is celebrated in school assemblies and is well publicised.
The development and implementation of Ako Orewa throughout the school helps students to focus on learning. It guides teachers to apply effective teaching strategies that encourage students to become aware of, and to extend, their thinking skills. Middle School programme and assessment system are proving to be an incentive for students to take responsibility for their own progress and achievement and to be prepared for learning in the senior school.
Curriculum leaders continue to refine teaching programmes and practices throughout the school. Noteworthy developments are the clear expectations that guide teaching practice and supportive teacher development programmes that are resulting in a positive and professional learning culture.
The Board of Trustees has successfully guided the schools transition from a Year 9 to 15 school to a Year 7 to 15 school. It has also given direction for the schools continuing development through its strategic planning and statement of beliefs in the school charter. The boards self-review programme would be enhanced by the Principal and staff providing written evaluations of the progress and achievement of groups of students, especially of those who are at risk of under-achieving. The Board should also plan to incorporate in its Charter and policies the vision, principles and values of the New Zealand Curriculum, which is due to be fully implemented in 2010.
Future Action
ERO is confident that the board of trustees can manage 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, http://www.ero.govt.nz