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. Read the full 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
ERO: To the Parents & 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.nzElizabeth Ellis, Area Manager for Chief Review Officer
The Education Review Office (ERO) Evaluation (published 01/02/06)
Students at Dargaville High School have pride in their school and hold it in high regard. A strong guidance system underpins the positive, settled learning environment, and students achieve at or above national norms for schools of similar type. Some very able students achieve outstandingly and have received awards and scholarships to assist them in university study. Students participate in a wide range of academic and sporting activities, achieving good results regionally and nationally and in Australasian events and competitions.
A programme is provided for students with special needs and an alternative learning centre offers tuition and support to assist students to return to school or enter the work force. Gifted and talented students are identified and policies to support their learning are being developed. Music continues to feature strongly in the school, as do the performing arts and cultural activities.
Overall, teaching is of high quality. Teachers know their students well and effectively provide support and assistance. Students are encouraged to question and learn in a culture of mutual respect. Teachers value the increasing cultural diversity of their students and the bicultural heritage of many.
A new principal has been appointed since the 2002 ERO report. There have been changes in the senior management team including a restructuring of roles and responsibilities. There is now a need to consolidate and embed the school’s philosophy in practice. A school-wide focus on literacy has continued with ongoing staff professional development supported by resourcing from the board.
The board operates effectively. Trustees have undertaken training to strengthen their understanding of their governance roles. The school charter, policies and procedures are under review and the board is proactively seeking clear and concise information from the principal and staff to inform decision-making. School targets meet Ministry of Education guidelines. The board is aware of the need for annual targets to be directly linked to strategic goals.
