Roncalli College 26/04/2010
 
Roncalli College is an integrated, coeducational Catholic school in Timaru. It provides education for students in Years 9 to 13. The school has experienced significant roll growth in recent years. A new principal was appointed during 2009.
 
The values and beliefs that underpin the school's special character are apparent in all aspects of school life. This is evident in the caring, respectful and safe environment. It is also demonstrated by the positive and respectful relationships amongst students and between the students and teachers. A strong emphasis on family and community is well supported by the house system within the school. The wellbeing of groups, such as Māori and international students, is well provided for in this inclusive environment.
 
Senior leaders and teachers are committed to developing students' all-round abilities. They work hard to develop each student's academic, cultural, sporting and leadership abilities and encourage them to give service to their community. Students benefit from a wide range of curricular, extra curricular and leadership programmes.
 
Students achieve very well at all levels of the National Certificates of Educational Achievement (NCEA). Their attainment of Level 1, 2 and 3 certificates, and of merit and excellence endorsements, is generally well above the average of students in similar schools nationally.
 
Students learn in positive, well organised and work-focused classrooms. Teachers have high expectations for students' learning, behaviour and achievement. Teachers provide extra support for students through an extensive range of tutoring, mentoring and coaching opportunities.
 
Improved self review and clearer expectations from senior leaders are likely to lead to a more widespread and consistent use of effective teaching strategies. Students need more opportunities to learn about and experience New Zealand's bicultural heritage. Teachers and students would benefit from better access to Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) as teaching and learning tools.
 
The board provides effective governance and trustees have a good understanding of their role. They articulate a clear vision for the school and carry out regular reviews of aspects of the school's operations. They now need to develop an overall programme and agreed process for self review. This should include trustees evaluating their own performance.
 
The board and principal are working to address the impact of roll growth on staffing, teaching spaces, buildings and resourcing. The principal is focused on developing a new senior leadership group into an effective team.
 
Future Action
 
The board of trustees has demonstrated that it is governing the school in the interest of the students and the Crown. The board, together with the principal and school leaders, continues to focus on improving student learning: engagement, progress and achievement. ERO is likely to carry out the next review within three years.
 
Review Coverage
 
This report provides an evaluation of how effectively the school's curriculum promotes student learning: engagement, progress and achievement. ERO's evaluation takes account of the school's previous reporting history and is based on;
 
· what is known about student achievement information, including the achievement of Māori and Pacific students;
 
· decisions made to improve student achievement using the information; and
 
· teaching strategies and programmes implemented to give effect to the school's curriculum.
 
ERO's review is responsive to the school's context. For example, when ERO reviews a school, it takes into account the characteristics of the community, from which it draws its students, its location, and the aspirations the community has for its young people, and relevant local factors.
 
ERO also builds on the school's own self-review information. That is, ERO is interested in how a school monitors the progress of its students and aspects of school life and culture, and how it uses this information.
 
ERO also gathers information during the review to contribute to its reports on national education evaluation topics. Comments relevant to this school are included in the report. The national reports are published on ERO's website.
 
If you would like a copy of the full report, please contact the school or see the ERO website, www.ero.govt.nz.
 
Graham Randell
 
National Manager Review Services
 
Southern Region