| ERO Reports
4 November 2010
To the Parents and Community of Manawatu College
These are the findings of the Education Review Office’s latest report on Manawatu College.
Manawatu College is a co-educational secondary school, catering for students from Foxton and the surrounding rural area. At the time of this review in August 2010, the school had a roll of 401 students, 48% of whom were Māori.The attractive physical surroundings are well maintained and treated respectfully. Key school values are apparent in the environment and student work is displayed and celebrated.
Comprehensive schoolwide literacy and numeracy achievement information is collected in the junior school. A wide range of initiatives supports students identified as at risk of not achieving and those requiring extension. Year 9 and 10 data should be used more consistently by departments to consider progress and identify next steps for individuals and groups. Participation statistics indicate students achieve National Certificates of Educational Achievement (NCEA) at levels above other decile 1 to 3 co‑educational schools, markedly at Level 3. In most years leavers gain NCEA Level 2 qualifications at similar levels to comparable schools, but below students nationally.
The Manawatu College Achievement Certificate motivates juniors to complete work and to focus on achievement. A mentoring system provides each student with regular one-on-one academic and career goal-setting opportunities.
The school environment effectively fosters the holistic development of Māori students. They gain NCEA at levels below their non Māori peers. The school has specific initiatives to assist teachers to raise the level of Māori achievement. Māori students demonstrate confidence and articulate pride in their school.
Respectful, affirming relationships among students and with their teachers create an environment conducive to learning. Small class sizes contribute to students being well known and supported. Positive relationships build a safe and inclusive culture. The MANA (Manaakitanga (support and care), Aspire (have a vision), Ngai Tatou (team work) and Achievement (set and achieve goals) positive guidance programme underpins practices and contributes to a positive tone where school pride is promoted. Settled environments and the schoolwide focus on learning allow effective use of class time. Many leadership opportunities for students are available in service, performing arts and sport.
Student learning is supported by many effective teaching strategies. Teachers purposefully engage in professional learning and development (PLD). Regular opportunities for professional learning conversations allow teachers to share good practice. The school has identified the need to further strengthen the impact of PLD on teaching and learning as a next step.
Senior leaders use internal and external opportunities for self review focused on improving engagement and achievement. They promote links with the community and external agencies to benefit students.
Trustees bring a diverse range of skills and previous board experience with them to their governance roles. Achievement information supports the board to make strongly student-centred decisions about resourcing.
Future Action
ERO is likely to carry out the next review within three 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, including the achievement of Māori 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 gathers information during the review to contribute to its national reports. The national reports are published on ERO’s website.
If you would like a copy of the full report, please click here or see the ERO website, www.ero.govt.nz .
Kathleen Atkins
National Manager Review Services|
Central Region
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