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I am extremely proud of Hagley in the effective work it undertakes in making a real difference for students by inspiring their futures and transforming their lives. In May the effectiveness of our work was rigorously tested by the Education Review Office and what an amazing review it was.

The review focused on ERO’s ‘six dimensions of a successful school’. These dimensions show how student achievement connects to effective governance, professional leadership, high quality teaching, school culture and engagement with parents, whānau and communities. All of the six dimensions directly or indirectly contribute to creating the conditions that promote student learning and achievement. ERO had a final onsite meeting with the Hagley BOT on 14 May 2015 to report their findings. So what did they say?

Here are some highlights…

Our special character acknowledged

The College occupies a unique position in education with in and beyond Christchurch.There is a strong philosophy, clear vision and mission to provide opportunities that inspire and transform lives and this is shared across the College. The College has a reputation for innovation, creativity and inclusion with high expectations for teaching and learning. Evidence gathered by ERO during the review supports the College’s application to the MOE to become a designated special character school. They also saw a good model of distributed leadership with senior leaders operating effectively together with complementary skills.

Strong use of data

There is robust and extensive school-wide data analysis used to establish needs, recognise strengths, set priorities and report. The College’s data shows increasing levels of NCEA achievement with significant improvement recognised at a national level. Māori student achievement has steadily increased since the last ERO review showing significant improvement, with Māori student achievement exceeding national targets. College data shows ongoing improvement to student engagement and retention with strong links between wellbeing (pastoral), social support and learning through tracking and monitoring engagement and attendance with the College being responsive to diverse needs and interests of individual learners.

Effective pathways

The college has multiple pathways at senior level that are flexible and responsive to very diverse needs. Innovation is clearly evident (eg schools within schools, academies) with a strong focus on building engagement through meaningful and relevant programmes. Through its curriculum design, the College provides significant opportunities for young people and adults to return to education. There is a sustained focus on, and support for successful transitions into further education, training or employment with strategic networking across business, employment and education sectors considerably strengthening opportunities for students.

Innovation and good practice

The College has strong collaborative relationships within and across curriculum areas with student wellbeing actively prioritised, monitored and supported. Curriculum developments and practice are based on current research and best evidence information with teaching as inquiry embedded. There is a culture of reflecting on, and sharing, good practice and a focus on continuous improvement. A wide variety of teaching strategies and approaches are employed with purposeful learning relationships and respect is clearly evident. There is a celebration of achievement, individuality and diversity across and throughout the College.

ERO Concludes

“Hagley College occupies a unique position in education within and beyond Christchurch. An innovative and creative curriculum design provides multiple pathways and opportunities that stimulate interest, promote engagement and motivate students to achieve success. Support for students’ wellbeing and learning needs is high quality. Leadership of the College is a significant strength. Achievement, engagement and retention are continuing to improve.” 

No wonder I am proud of the staff and students of this College. These are very powerful, informed statements that ERO are making about our performance.

The College has gained a 4-5 year review cycle, the highest accolade that can be given to any school.