Education Review Office
In 2021, the College started the review process with the Education Review Office (ERO). ERO has changed the way it undertakes School reviews. Instead of a week long review by a team of observers, a liaison person is appointed to the College who will visit and work with the College over a period of time.
Te Ara Huarau | School Profile Report Sept 2022
Background
This Profile Report was written within 12 months of the Education Review Office and Catholic Cathedral College working in Te Ara Huarau, an improvement evaluation approach used in most English Medium State and State Integrated Schools. For more information about Te Ara Huarau see ERO’s website. www.ero.govt.nz
Context
Catholic Cathedral College is a coeducational, integrated, Years 7 to 13 secondary school. The school’s special character reflects its strong Catholic values. Due to the Christchurch earthquake the school currently shares its location with another school. Plans are in place for Catholic Cathedral College to become the sole occupier of the site.
Catholic Cathedral College’s strategic priorities for improving outcomes for learners are to:
be part of Church’s mission to provide a Catholic faith environment that enables young people to develop their faith, knowledge, and skills so that they become active and committed members of the Catholic community
ensure that Catholic Cathedral College is safe, inclusive, and welcoming place where our ākonga and kaimahi feel they belong and can be fully engaged in their learning
develop a culture of constructive self-review and professional teaching practice that enhances the achievement of ākonga and the development of our kaimahi.
You can find a copy of the school’s strategic and annual plan on Catholic Cathedral College’s website.
ERO and the school are working together to evaluate how effectively the school creates an environment in which students have access to a responsive curriculum that meets all learning needs.
The rationale for selecting this evaluation is:
prioritising equity and excellence and seeking to embed a culture in which staff know their learners and are connected to the community, understanding the needs of learners from an academic, wellbeing and social context
providing a safe and welcoming environment for learners inclusive of the community’s diverse ethnic backgrounds and respecting the dignity of the person.
The school expects to see students thriving and excelling in the opportunities offered to them at school, graduating from Catholic Cathedral College having developed their faith in God and understanding what their next steps will be to realise their potential.
Strengths
The school can draw from the following strengths to support the school in its goal to create an environment that meets the learning needs of all students:
a rich and inclusive school community which celebrates and respects the diversity of its ākonga and kaimahi, drawing these strengths together to enact Catholic values
effective and collaborative leadership that continually improves and strengthens the implementation of strategy aligned with the school’s priorities
strong partnerships Māori whānau, hapū, iwi, parents and families support and ensures the kaupapa of the school reflects that of tangata whenua
meaningful and educationally significant connections with Pacific fono and Filipino pamilya.
Where to next?
Moving forward, the school will prioritise:
continue to consult and collect information from a range of sources in which ākonga voice is included in evaluating initiatives and future plans
utilise ‘Positive Behaviour for Learning’ strategies to support evidence-based interventions aligning with the school's values of manaakitanga, whanaungatanga, whakapono and panekiretanga
shared professional development for kaimahi on engaging and inclusive culturally responsive practices.
ERO’s role will be to support the school in its evaluation for improvement cycle to improve outcomes for all learners. ERO will support the school in reporting their progress to the community. The next public report on ERO’s website will be a Te Ara Huarau | School Evaluation Report and is due within three years.
Dr Lesley PattersonDirector Review and Improvement Services (Southern)Southern Region | Te Tai Tini
21 September 2022
2017 ERO review, below are some excerps of that review.
What are the important features of this school that have an impact on student learning?
Catholic Cathedral College is a coeducational, integrated, Years 7 to 13 secondary school. The school’s special character reflects its strong Catholic values.
The roll is steadily increasing and is culturally diverse. The school culture is welcoming, inclusive and respectful. Students spoken with by ERO were proud of their school, its family-like nature and safe learning environment.
How well does this school use achievement information to make positive changes to learners’ engagement, progress and achievement?
The school is making positive changes to learners’ engagement, progress and achievement. The newly appointed principal is setting high expectations for students and teachers. Staff and students spoken with by ERO were very aware of this lift in expectation and are responding positively.
Students benefit from extensive and effective pastoral support. Teachers and leaders work well together to build students’ wellbeing and self esteem. They recognise the importance of these in making sure students are able to engage with their learning.
How well placed is the school to sustain and improve its performance?
The school has experienced challenging times and has come through these with a renewed energy and sense of purpose. The board and newly formed leadership team have a strong focus on raising student achievement.
The senior leadership team has a clear vision for school improvement and is gaining good support from staff and students. The good level of communication and consultation by leaders is widely appreciated. Their purposeful approach and improvement focus is helping to develop a shared understanding of the school’s ongoing development and direction.
Click here for the full review.
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