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 in Pine Hill, Dunedin. The school provides education for students from Years 1 to 8. The special character of the school permeates all aspects of the school operations. Students’ wellbeing is a high priority. Their academic, social, emotional and physical requirements along with Christian values are integrated into the school approach to learning and teaching. The focus areas of this review are learning and teaching across the school with an emphasis on numeracy, and teachers’ professional learning and development. Aspects of health and safety were investigated with a small number of issues addressed while ERO was on site. Areas for improvement identified in the 2005 report included the library facility, the management of curriculum delivery, particularly health and physical education programmes, and self review. A new principal was appointed in 2007. The principal, with the support of a well-informed, knowledgeable, pro-active board has established a new school library, developed curriculum delivery guidelines and developed a self-review schedule. During this review ERO observed teachers and students consistently interacting in a friendly, calm and respectful manner. The curriculum is well designed and implemented and is enhancing student engagement and achievement. The students are confident to share their ideas and experiment with new learning concepts. The teachers know the students well and use this knowledge, along with regular ongoing planning and assessment, to respond appropriately to students’ abilities, interests and needs. Clear guidelines across all curriculum areas help maintain consistent practice. Awareness of gifted and talented characteristics in students would help teachers better support and extend students who require alternative programmes to develop and extend their special interests and abilities. Students receive high quality mathematics programmes and are achieving at a high level across the school, particularly in Years 7 and 8. A high quality visual arts programme fosters the development of students’ creative expression. Senior students enjoy extra programmes in areas such as languages and technology and have opportunities that promote the development of their leadership skills. Teachers have yet to develop a careers programme for inclusion in the senior programme. The school needs to develop a formal process for self review. An effective process would help provide information about how well things such as the professional development programme and students’ support and extension programmes improve outcomes for students. 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 is likely to 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 August 2008 Back to Main Page |