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EDUCATION REVIEW OFFICE - LONG BAY COLLEGE REVIEW REPORT - FEBRUARY 2010
To the Parents and Community of Long Bay College.
These are the findings of the Education Review Office’s latest report on Long Bay College.
Long Bay College serves a diverse community in North Shore City. A strong emphasis on academic achievement, together with increased student participation in sport, dance, drama, music and other performance events, has successfully raised the profile of the school in recent years. Parents support initiatives for raising student achievement and report that they are confident about the quality of education provided by the school.
A new principal and an associate principal were appointed in 2008 and management roles have been reviewed. Teachers are trialling aspects of The New Zealand Curriculum in readiness for implementation in 2010 and are preparing to implement new planning procedures based on school values and learner competencies. Several areas of school operation have been reviewed since ERO’s 2006 report, including the provision of learning support, the management of international students, and processes for the appraisal of teacher performance.
Student achievement has continued to improve since 2006. School results in the National Certificates of Educational Achievement (NCEA) are now well above national averages and compare favourably with those of schools of a similar decile and type. The achievement of 25 passes in NCEA Scholarship in 2008 is evidence of the school’s success in raising academic standards. Students are proud to be achievers and are keen to contribute in leadership roles as council members, prefects and student mediators.
The new principal and board work well together. Trustees represent the interests of parents and take active roles in determining strategic goals and targets. The principal emphasises the importance of building positive relationships at all levels of the school that support learning. School targets for improving student achievement in NCEA have been exceeded over the past two years. Trustees prioritise the learning needs of students in their long-term plans and are well informed about school operations and the achievement of senior students.
Increased emphasis has been placed on the coordination of pastoral care and the introduction of restorative processes. There is a positive tone in the school and systems for managing student behaviour have been reviewed. Teachers have high expectations of students, and relationships between staff and students are largely supportive and friendly. Teachers work collegially and have confidence in the school’s vision and leadership.
This review acknowledges the good progress evident across the school, especially the continued improvement in NCEA. ERO recommends that school managers continue to strengthen quality management systems in order to sustain improvements resulting from recent self review. The implementation of new procedures for teacher appraisal and the embedding of shared understandings of good practice in teaching and learning, are areas that will benefit from ongoing development.
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.
Richard Thornton
National Manager Review Services
Northern Region
Long Bay College ERO Report February 2010 |
