ERO report ...

The Education Review Office (ERO) is a government department whose purpose is to evaluate and report publicly on the education and care of students in schools and early childhood services.

ERO’s findings inform decisions and choices made by parents, teachers, managers, trustees and others, at the individual school and early childhood level and at the national level by Government policy makers.

Schools are reviewed on average once every three years. Reviews are undertaken more frequently where the performance of a school or centre is poor and there are risks to the education and safety of the students. ERO's reports on individual schools and early childhood services are freely available to the public. You can ask for a hard copy from the school’s office, any ERO office or use the link below to select a report you wish to read.

Dargaville High School had a ERO (Education Review Office) inspection during Term 4 2008. The findings of the ERO report were extremely positive. The report was published on the internet on the 24/01/2009. click here to read the ERO 2009 evaluation.

Previous to this date Dargaville High School had an inspection in 2005. To access the findings of the 2006 and 2002 reports click here.

24 January 2009 To the Parents and Community of Dargaville High School

These are the findings of the Education Review Office’s latest report on Dargaville High School:

Dargaville High School is a secondary school in the Kaipara District of Northland. Since the 2005 ERO review, the principal and trustees have prioritised improvement of student achievement and the retention of students in the senior school. They have supported the implementation of key initiatives aimed at improving student achievement and engagement. The board has also improved its data gathering and self-review processes.

Since the 2005 ERO review, student achievement overall has improved. In the junior school, while achievement in reading and mathematics remains below national age-related expectations, data show a clear improvement in Mâori student achievement. The percentage of students gaining National Certificates of Educational Achievement (NCEA) Levels 1 to 3 and University Entrance is generally above national averages. NCEA merit endorsements at Levels 1-3 compare favourably with national levels. Three students were awarded NCEA scholarships in 2007.

Students participate in the many academic, sporting and cultural activities available to them at school. Teaching is purposeful and students are generally focused on their learning. Relationships between students and staff, and among students and their peers, are mostly respectful. High expectations for student achievement and behaviour are yet to be consistently shared across the school. The challenge for senior managers and staff is to continue to promote a school environment in which all students can experience and demonstrate respect, esteem and pride in their school, themselves and their potential.

For this review, ERO agreed to evaluate the quality of teaching and learning. In addition, this report comments on the achievement of Mâori and Pacific students, the school’s readiness to implement the New Zealand Curriculum, how the school is thinking about the future, provision for international students, adult and community education, and the provision of a safe environment for all students.

ERO finds that strategies to improve teaching and learning have been developed but are yet to be fully integrated into the learning culture of the school. Achievement data should be analysed and used to evaluate the effectiveness of recent teaching initiatives, identify students’ learning needs, and to monitor the progress of all students and of groups of students over time.

ERO recommends that the board of trustees improve aspects of school governance and management by aligning operational decisions and practices with charter priorities, strengthening personnel management, and making effective use of student achievement data to further improve teaching and learning in the school.

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, www.ero.govt.nz
Elizabeth Ellis, Area Manager for Chief Review Officer