Education Review Office Report 21 December 2007 To the Parents and Community of Sacred Heart Girls' College These are the findings of the Education Review Office’s latest report on Sacred Heart Girls' College. Since the last review in 2004 there have been changes in the organisation and membership of the senior management team. The roles and responsibilities of senior managers are now more clearly defined. A new faculty structure has been introduced and a number of heads of faculty have been recently appointed to their positions. This report focuses on the school’s systems, practices and initiatives intended to improve learning outcomes for students. The Education Review Office selected this focus area in consultation with the board of trustees. In addition, the report evaluates the school’s provision for Gifted and Talented Education (GATE), the progress in achievement of Māori, the achievement of Pacific students, as well as the extent to which the school has planned for the future. The report also evaluates the school’s pandemic planning, the provision for international students and for the students in the school hostel. The board and the Mission College Hamilton Trust Board continue to ensure the provision of a high quality, well-presented learning environment. Extensive refurbishment includes upgrading the gymnasium to include two teaching spaces and a fitness centre as well as improvements to the visual arts area. There has also been ongoing development of information communication technologies facilities. The Education Review report of 2004 contained recommendations about policies and guidelines relating to curriculum management, assessment and reporting and the appraisal of senior managers. Each of these issues has been addressed. Progress is being made in strengthening assessment procedures in Year 9 and 10 and there is now a much greater use of formative assessment practices by teachers. The school continues to enjoy considerable success in its objective of promoting academic achievement and ensuring that students leave school with relevant qualifications. National Certificate in Educational Achievement (NCEA) data indicates that by most measures of comparison students at Sacred Heart Girls’ College are achieving at levels significantly above those of students in the other schools, both on a national basis and in schools of similar and higher deciles. Students are receiving a high quality education in the school. Relationships between students and teachers are characterised by courtesy and consideration for others. These relationships and the settled supportive atmosphere, which is a feature of the school, reflect the values derived from the school’s special Catholic character. High levels of student participation and open dialogue are evident in classrooms. Students have a wide range of opportunities to gain new experiences and achieve success in areas such as sports, academic, cultural activities, leadership and service to others. Effective pastoral care and career guidance systems provide support for students’ holistic wellbeing and continue to ensure that they are able to remain focused on their learning. Teachers are committed, hardworking, reflective about their practice and have high expectations for student learning and behaviour. They are successfully using a range of strategies that promote active student engagement with learning. Some teachers are also beginning to make evidence based decisions in their classroom planning. Teachers participate in useful programmes of professional learning designed to improve their practice. The principal is a knowledgeable and capable educational leader. She is ably supported by the three deputy principals who bring complementary strengths to their roles. As a team, senior managers provide clear direction for the school’s objective of “empowering young woman and striving for excellence.” Heads of faculty provide effective leadership in their respective areas. This strong leadership at all levels is maintaining a focus on teaching and learning. Effective teaching and learning strategies now need to be consolidated throughout the school. Trustees are committed to the school and its special Catholic character and are well informed about student achievement and school activities. Their strategic plan sets sound direction for future school operations. Planning and reporting requirements are being met and annual targets are appropriate in regard to improving student achievement. Effective use is being made of achievement information to guide planning and decisions at school-wide and faculty level. Parents are well informed about school activities and events. They express their overall appreciation of the ready accessibility of staff in regard to their daughters’ learning and wellbeing. However, it is important that processes for handling complaints are understood and used appropriately by all members of the school community. Sacred Heart College is a signatory to and complies with all aspects of the Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students (the Code). A significant number of international students are receiving high quality education and support for their life in New Zealand during their time at the school. The school hostel is well managed and runs smoothly. It provides attractive, comfortable and safe accommodation for its students, and has been licensed as required by the Ministry of Education.
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