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The Educational Review Office (ERO) prepared the following assessment of a small private Christian School in Auckland.
CONFIRMED STATUTORY REPORT:
AUCKLAND CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
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1 BACKGROUND
1.1 Scope
The Chief Review Officer has a statutory duty to report on the performance of private schools throughout New Zealand. This
statutory report is based on an examination of the extent to which the managing body is meeting its legal obligations and undertakings
to the Crown. These are contained in legislation, regulations and the conditions of registration.
The primary focus of this report is on the school’s performance in relation to its own definition of “suitable” curriculum, premises,
staffing and equipment as documented.
This statutory report was prepared in accordance with standard procedures approved by the Chief Review Officer.
1.2 Institution Information
Location Freemans Bay, Auckland
Type Fully registered private primary
Roll number 47
Number of foreign students 0
Number of teachers:
Full time 3
Part time 1
Ethnic composition Pakeha 31; Mäori 4; Samoan 3;
Cook Island 3; Filipino 2; Chinese 2;
Indonesian 1; West Indian 1
Gender composition Female 24; Male 23
Previous reports and confirmation Report, February 1991
dates Report, May 1994
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2 SUMMARY
The board, principal and teachers of Auckland Christian School demonstrate their commitment to provide a broad education within a
Christian philosophy. The school uses aspects of the Abeka curriculum and the New Zealand Curriculum statements as the basis for
teaching programmes. Students enjoy their learning and are confident in their interactions with other students and adults.
The board and staff regularly review the operation of the school to ensure that they are meeting the needs of students. This process
has resulted in changes to curriculum delivery and in the purchase of a wider range of resources.
The board complies with sections of the Education Act that apply to private schools. The board needs to ensure trial evacuations of
the buildings are practised every term.
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3 FINDINGS
3.1 Administration
The school's administration procedures are clearly documented. A range of policies and procedures are in place to guide
management, staff and parents. These cover all aspects of the operation of the school.
A positive feature of the management has been the self review, undertaken by management and staff, of all aspects of the operation of
the school. This has enabled management and staff to focus on their vision for the school and to make informed decisions for the
benefit of students.
3.2 Curriculum Management
Auckland Christian School has its own curriculum that reflects a Christian perspective. The curriculum incorporates aspects of the
Abeka curriculum and the New Zealand Curriculum Framework. There is a strong emphasis on reading and language. Learning
programmes include mathematics, science, social studies, art, music, physical education and health. Art programmes are a feature of
the school with the work of students prominently displayed around the school. The staff have introduced the Upbeat Music
programme since the last report to extend music programmes.
Schemes for sequential school wide planning are in place. Teachers planning includes long term annual and term plans, and detailed
unit plans for topic studies. Teachers show how they cater for the different learning needs of students for reading and mathematics in
their daily planning. They provide remedial support for students with learning needs and carefully monitor their progress.
Teachers keep a variety of records of student achievement. They use checklist records of student achievement to track the progress
of students over time. They are also developing portfolios of work as a way of demonstrating individual progress to parents. Teachers
should consider carefully defining the criteria to be used when assessing student achievement in order to improve the validity their
evaluations and the consistency of their judgements.
The standard of teaching in the classrooms is good. Students are motivated and on task. They contribute their ideas confidently in
class. Teachers provide encouragement and support to individual students.
The board has purchased a good variety of learning resources to supplement the Abeka resources used. These are generally used well
in classrooms.
3.3 Personnel Management
The board recognises its responsibility to be a good employer. All staff have clearly prescribed job descriptions and trustees have set
aside money for professional development. The recently introduced staff appraisal system provides a positive framework for
acknowledging and improving the quality of teaching. The board is currently investigating bringing another principal in to help with the
principal's appraisal. The board should now extend the appraisal system to cover ancillary staff. This would affirm good practices and
support the professional development of these staff members. The principal should develop a professional development programme
based on the whole school development objectives and the fulfilment of personal goals identified in the appraisal process.
The school is assisting one teacher to become registered. The principal should make sure that a programme of advice and guidance is
provided for this person and that formal records of this are kept. This information should enable the principal to make informed
decisions when that teacher is considered for registration.
3.4 Asset Management
The board leases the school premises from the Victory Christian Church. The buildings and grounds are well maintained. Systems are
in place for the regular inspection of grounds and buildings.
The school has an evacuation scheme. The principal must ensure that evacuation drills are practised each term.
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4 ACTION REQUIRED TO MEET LEGAL OBLIGATIONS AND UNDERTAKINGS
4.1 Ensure that trial evacuation procedures are held each term. [Fire Safety and Evacuation of Building Regulations
1992, 14(2)(g)(ii)]
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5 SUGGESTED DEVELOPMENTS
The managing body should consider:
5.1 extending the appraisal system to include ancillary staff.
5.2 planning a professional development programme.
5.3 ensuring that the principal provides a programme of advice and guidance for the provisionally registered teacher.
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6 CONCLUSION
Students at Auckland Christian School are receiving an education which follows the school’s statements of purpose and espoused
cornerstones. They are happy and secure and relate well to other students and adults.
[Signed]
David Whalley
Area Manager
for Chief Review Officer
Date: [11/8/97]
