In May Tāmaki College was visited by the Education Review Office and below is a summary of their report.

Tāmaki College is a caring and respectful learning community. The school values of respect, integrity, success and responsibility, known as ‘RISE- The Tāmaki Way’, are well embedded in the school. This is supporting good levels of student engagement in learning across the school. Classrooms are settled places for learning. The school’s strong pastoral care networks promote student wellbeing and provide a good foundation for learning.

What are the important features of this school that have an impact on student learning?

Tāmaki College caters for students from Years 9 to 13. For many students, generational connections promote a strong sense of family and Tāmaki College is a part of the Manaiakalani Community of Learning/Kāhui Ako (CoL), comprising 12 schools in the Auckland suburbs of Glen Innes, Panmure and Pt England. The overall goal of the CoL is to change teaching and learning practice through the use of e-learning strategies that empower learners and their whānau, and to accelerate student achievement.

How well does this school use achievement information to make positive changes to learners’ engagement, progress and achievement?

Teachers use the school’s digital platform to share achievement information with students, and to promote students’ ownership of their learning. This gives students opportunities to make decisions about their learning and plan learning pathways. Through the digital platform teachers provide timely feedback to students which, in many cases, is supporting their learning well.

How effectively does this school’s curriculum promote and support student learning?

As a result of effective ongoing review, the curriculum is responsive to student strengths, interests and aspirations. Students are provided with a variety of different learning pathways. The school’s vocational pathways programme is a curriculum strength.

How effectively does the school promote educational success for Māori, as Māori?                                                                                                  

Tāmaki College effectively promotes success for Māori. The school welcomes all new students and staff and their families with pōwhiri on the school marae. Māori students are supported to be confident in their cultural identity. Māori representation on the board and guidance from kaumātua helps to ensure tikanga Māori is respected and sustained.

How well placed is the school to sustain and improve its performance?

The school is well placed to sustain and improve its performance. Trustees provide sound governance. Board decision making is strategic and has a focus on improving outcomes for all students. Trustees are well informed about curriculum developments and student achievement. Very good relationships between trustees, school management and the community support the work of the board. The board makes good use of external advice. This helps trustees keep current and confident in their board role of stewarding the school’s focus on improving outcomes for all students.

Conclusion

Tāmaki College provides a caring and respectful learning environment. Classrooms are settled places for students’ learning. The curriculum provides different learning pathways that support students to make successful transition on to further education, training and employment.

Click here to view the ERO report