EDUCATION REVIEW OFFICETo the Parents and Community of Liberton Christian SchoolThese are the findings of the Education Review Office’s latest report on Liberton Christian School. Liberton Christian School is a non-denominational, integrated Christian school located in Pine Hill, Dunedin. The special character of the school is evident through the provision of a comprehensive, biblically-centred emphasis on Christian values and a culture of respect. Students benefit from a supportive environment with a focus on learning and high expectations for achievement. The school focus for this review was on learning and teaching in literacy. Areas of national interest included achievement of Maori students, implementation of Health and Physical Education in the New Zealand Curriculum and provision for international students. Some compliance aspects relating to student safety were also reviewed. Students receive high quality learning programmes where they are encouraged to take responsibility for their own learning through setting personal goals and success criteria. Teachers provide a range of learning experiences and strategies that challenge students in their thinking. Teachers have yet to formally identify students with special abilities and provide the appropriate learning experiences for them. The board receives some information on the effectiveness of literacy programmes but it cannot be assured that programmes in all areas of English are effectively meeting students needs, interests and abilities. The trustees recognise that the library is not effectively promoting the development of students’ literacy skills. Most students are achieving at their expected level or above in all aspects of literacy. Teachers use a range of appropriate assessment tools to identify levels of achievement and results are used to inform programme planning and next learning steps for students. Assessment data gathered at the classroom level is yet to be collated and analysed to review and improve school-wide programmes, set educational direction or for reporting and accountability. Students demonstrated a significant level of knowledge and understanding of the Christian values promoted and modelled by teachers. High levels of positive student engagement in classroom activities were evident. Teachers use management strategies based on the culture of the school to maintain student cooperation and wellbeing. The current leadership has good knowledge of individual students' abilities and needs, and has significantly contributed to the special character of the school. The next step is to ensure that the delivery and management of the curriculum is effectively led. The principal and teachers have yet to analyse data collected on the 2004 achievement target The target was identified to increase levels of achievement in punctuation and the use of language resources. The 2005 targets, are yet to be finalised. These targets are also based on increasing achievement levels in written language. Future ActionERO 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 will review the school again as part of the regular review cycle. Review CoverageERO 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. Isabell Sinclair Irwin June 2005 Back to Main Page |