To the Parents and Community of Upper Moutere School

These are the findings of the Education Review Office’s latest report on Upper Moutere School.

Upper Moutere School caters for students in years 1 to 8 and is situated in a small country village.  Established trees, well-maintained buildings and extensive outdoor playing areas, contribute to a pleasant and welcoming environment. Students state that they are proud of the school and the community in which they live.  They are focused on their learning and demonstrate positive interactions with teachers and each other.  A high level of community involvement and support is evident.  An active Supporters of Upper Moutere School group and a successful school fair are examples of this involvement.

Student achievement overall is high.  The 2008 analysis of achievement in reading noted that 91% of all students were reading at or above their chronological ages.  In year 1 to 8 classes, Numeracy Project Assessment results indicate that most students are working at or above national expectations for this test.  These results are closely reflected by the mathematics Progressive Achievement Test data for students in years 4 to 8.  In writing, outcomes from nationally-referenced tests indicate that most students are achieving at, or just below, national expectations.

School self review is focused on student achievement and well documented.  The process of reviewing curriculum, and strategic and annual planning is thorough.  Whole-staff professional development in literacy has contributed to, and strengthened, this process.  As a result, students receive targeted learning opportunities in reading and writing.

Consistent classroom planning and high quality teaching practice are evident across the school.  Tools to assess literacy and numeracy are clearly identified and teachers make effective use of achievement data to plan their classroom programmes.  There is a clear process for identifying and providing for students requiring additional support in literacy.  Teachers are making good use of school-wide monitoring meetings to share and further develop strategies to improve achievement in reading for individuals.

Sound governance and effective professional leadership from the principal, the senior management team and the literacy leaders are features.  A new governance manual has been documented and newly developed curriculum documents establish clear guidelines and expectations for teachers.  The board provides additional support for information and communication technologies programmes and an additional part time teacher to support students with special learning needs.

Well-maintained buildings and grounds and well-considered landscaping promote safety.  Good processes are in place to help ensure the safety of staff and students. An attribute of the school is the well-organised and attractive classroom environments.

Upper Moutere School continues to provide the high standards of care and education that were noted in the 2002 and 2006 ERO reports.  The 2006 report was used by the school to supplement its own self-review findings and provide a focus for ongoing improvement.

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.

ERO is likely to review the school again as part of the regular review cycle.

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.

SIGNED

Lennane Kent

Area Manager

for Chief Review Officer