Report to the Community
This review evaluates the quality of teaching and learning in mathematics and that of professional learning and development. It also investigates Māori student achievement as well as the Board of Trustees' compliance with its legal obligations, especially in relation to physical and emotional safety. No concerns are identified.
Board members understand their roles and responsibilities. They are totally committed to the school and understand the importance of providing focused and supportive governance. All of the board have participated in ongoing training, which has helped them to understand what is expected of them. Relationships between the school staff and board are harmonious.
The principal, who is diligent and hard working, is well supported by the knowledgeable and committed senior management team. ERO acknowledges the focused emphasis given to building teacher and support staff capability to promote continuous improvement for students' learning. Teachers' knowledge and understanding of teaching and learning is strengthened. This is evident in classroom programmes.
Teachers demonstrate a clear understanding and use of good teaching practices, which underpin progressive learning. Some of these include effective modelling of numeracy strategies to support student learning, the use of questioning to encourage students to develop thinking skills and the provision of meaningful experiences in authentic contexts. ERO observed students who were mainly on task and were willing to take learning risks in order to achieve.
Classrooms provide a safe and supportive environment. Teachers create spaces, which promote ease of access to a range of appropriate resources as well as catering for whole class, group and individual learning situations. Students' work is well displayed and reflects aspects of what has been studied. The school grounds are well maintained and students have opportunities to participate in a variety of games and activities during breaks.
Students' positive attitudes to school are reflected in the good behaviour observed in classrooms and playground. Expectations for good behaviour are clear. The Cornerstone Values programme influences the way in which students interact with each other and their teachers. Students are respectful. Staff are able to focus on their key task of teaching.
The school welcomes community members. The parent teacher association plays an important role in supporting the teaching and learning programmes. The association raises a considerable amount of money, which enables the board to purchase additional resources. A parent survey indicates parents are mostly satisfied with the governance and management of Bellevue School. As a result of the community survey the board sends out regular newsletters, which inform parents about aspects of school life.
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.
website and learning management system.