Education Review Office … JUL 2011. Below extracts from the report. For the full report please click here

“...CONTEXT - Oxford Crescent School is situated in central Upper Hutt and caters for students from Years 1 to 6. The property is appropriately maintained and organised.

Students are friendly and welcoming, showing pride in their school. They are well supported to learn in a safe and orderly environment. Students are considerate of each other and assist one another in their learning. Inclusive practices within the school support students with a range of learning needs.

Leaders are improvement focused and effectively lead change in line with national and school priorities. They actively pursue opportunities to engage in professional development and build capability. They draw on current research to inform the development of the Oxford School Curriculum, the implementation of National Standards, the use of student achievement data, self review and using the teacher inquiry model.

There is a good level of community engagement in the life of the school. Parents and caregivers are involved in decision making and encouraged to play an active part in their child’s learning.

....LEARNING - Student achievement information provides clear evidence of how well students are achieving. Students at risk of underachievement are identified and interventions are put in place to support learners. These programmes are well monitored to ensure that they are effective. Reports to the board show the impact of interventions. A coordinated approach to the wellbeing, progress and achievement of students with identified learning needs enables individual requirements to be appropriately met. Teachers gather specific student achievement information in reading, writing and mathematics at all year levels. Most students achieve at or above in relation to the National Standards in these curriculum areas. Systems are in place to track the progress and achievement of groups of students over time.

...CURRICULUM - The Oxford Crescent School curriculum is well developed and aligned to The New Zealand Curriculum. There is a planned and collaborative approach to the implementation of all learning areas. A wide range of opportunities for students to experience success are provided in the arts, including cultural performances, involvement in sports, leadership and education outside of the classroom.

Classrooms are well organised, attractively presented and reflect students' identities. Their work is displayed and the purpose and expectations for learning are communicated. A good range of accessible resources is used purposefully to support learning.

....SUSTAINABLE PERFORMANCE - The governance and leadership of the school are highly effective and focused on improving outcomes for students. The board is committed to supporting the principal and staff in sustaining positive outcomes for students. Trustees appropriately resource initiatives to meet student learning needs and interests.

The principal and senior leaders are highly reflective and effectively support and guide teachers in their roles. The appraisal system is aligned to the professional standards and school's strategic goals and focused on building teacher capacity and improving outcomes for students.”