To the Parents and Community of Glen Massey School

These are the findings of the Education Review Office’s latest report on Glen Massey School.

Glen Massey School is an attractive rural full primary school catering for students in Years 1 to 8. The school is set in spacious grounds and is located west of Ngaruawahia.  At the time of this review in March 2008 it had a roll of 87 students, 38% of whom were Maori. 

The committed, hardworking and well-informed board of trustees provides effective governance and support to the school.  This approach is fostering a sense of community and a basis for ongoing school development that is focused on raising student achievement.

The principal provides inclusive and supportive leadership to the school and community.  He has a clear focus on raising student achievement and is working to develop systems to collate, aggregate and analyse achievement data across the school.  Continued development in aspects of curriculum management should enhance school- wide consistency and expectations for teaching and learning. 

Student achievement information in reading and spelling for students in Years 3 to 8 indicates they are achieving at or above national expectations.  In mathematics, data indicates students are achieving at expected levels. 

Teachers are hardworking and use an effective range of teaching strategies to engage students in learning.  Good quality learning environments including new classrooms, a purpose built library and extensive information and communication technologies (ICT) enrich students’ learning opportunities.  Further professional development in teaching practices is likely to raise the quality of class programmes and encourage students to take increased responsibility for their own learning. 

Positive relationships fostered by the board, principal, staff and an active parent teacher association (PTA) are a feature of the school.  These relationships form a strong foundation for students and a sense of partnership with this community.  Students reflect these positive relationships in their interactions with one another.  A safe and supportive school culture that promotes student learning and achievement is clearly evident. 

Future Action

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.