Waitotara School is a one-teacher school, 25 minutes north of Wanganui. The ten students who

attend the school enjoy working together in a positive multi-level class where flexible and effective

learning activities cater for the diverse preferences of students. Students' work and successes are

proudly displayed. All, including the youngest students, know their next steps and are able to work

independently. The warm atmosphere is one of mutual respect where all interactions are friendly and

positive.

This report evaluates the quality of teaching in a mixed-ability, multi-level classroom. Areas evaluated

in all schools included progress in improving Māori student achievement and the impact of

professional learning and development programmes. Aspects of health and safety are also evaluated.

Student achievement in literacy and numeracy is monitored on a regular cycle. In reading running

records, 90% of students read at their chronological age or better. Seventy percent of students are

writing at an appropriate level for their year group. In numeracy, most children are either at the correct

number stage or a stage below where they should be at the end of the year. The principal has

identified weaknesses in place value, multiplication, division and fractions as areas to address.

The teaching principal responds to a variety of indicators about student needs to make lesson

planning decisions that result in successful student learning. He aims to ensure that each student has

mastered all of the prerequisites for any new learning. Differing types, sequence and complexity of

questions are used depending on each student's level of development and ability to problem solve.

An experienced, responsive teacher aide supports student learning. As a result, students are quick to

settle and are fully engaged in their learning.

Trustees wisely allocated funds, obtained from the closure of a neighbouring high school, to learning

resources, staff professional development and additional staffing for literacy and numeracy

programmes. Trustees are supportive of initiatives to raise student achievement.

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.

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,

http://www.ero.govt.nz.

Graham Randell

Area Manager

for Chief Review Officer