PRIVATE SCHOOL REVIEW REPORT:
WENTWORTH PRIMARY SCHOOL
1. BACKGROUND
Introduction
The Chief Review Officer has a statutory duty to report on the performance of private schools throughout New Zealand.
Under section 35A of the Education Act 1989, private schools are required to be “efficient”. The Act defines “efficient”, in relation to a private school as –
- Having suitable premises, staffing, equipment, and curriculum; and
- Usually providing tuition for 9 or more students who have turned 5 but are under 16; and
- Providing suitably for the inculcation in the minds of students of sentiments of patriotism and loyalty; and
- Giving students tuition of a standard no lower than that of the tuition given to students enrolled at… schools of the same class.
This report focuses on the extent to which the school meets this requirement and other statutory obligations.
This review report was prepared in accordance with standard procedures approved by the Chief Review Officer.
About the School
| Location | Gulf Harbour, Whangaparaoa |
| Ministry of Education Profile number | 605 |
| School type | Private School |
| Number of Teachers | 3 |
| School roll | 21 |
| Ethnic composition | New Zealand European/Pākehā 20, South African 1 |
| Gender composition | Boys 11, Girls 10 |
| Review team on site | Jul-08 |
| Date of this report | 12-Aug-08 |
| Previous ERO report | No previous ERO reports |
2. EFFICIENT
Wentworth Primary School is an independent co-educational primary school managed by the Wentworth College Education Trust Board. The school opened in February 2008 with three staff and 15 students. The roll has now grown to 21 students. The trust board is also responsible for the adjacent college and is aligning its wide range of operational policies and procedures to cover both schools. The trust board is currently in the process of negotiating with the Ministry of Education to have the college and the primary school combined under one licence.
Clear documents outline the vision for the School. Soon after the opening of the school, staff consulted parents about their wishes for the long-term development of the school. The emphasis that teachers place on high academic achievement in literacy and numeracy, and student’s development of well-honed social skills, reflects the findings of this consultation. The school offers and education base on the full New Zealand curriculum and, as a result, appropriate attention is paid to all important aspects of learning. Student progress is monitored using valid assessment tools and achievement information is shared regularly with parents through written and oral reports. Achievement results in literacy and numeracy are used to inform future planning. The results show that students have made progress in their learning since the school opened four months ago.
Teachers are already exploring ways of integrating the key competencies outlined in the revised New Zealand curriculum into class programmes and the school culture. This integration should support the fostering of students’ personal and interpersonal skills. Teachers actively promote students’ independence through the use of formative assessment strategies. Individual learning profiles record the progress that students are making and identify next learning steps in literacy and numeracy. Students are becoming more aware of the purpose of their learning and are gaining increased skills in developing personal learning goals. Students are developing social awareness and have recently been engaged in fund-raising for an international child support agency.
Students are competent, capable learners who demonstrate self-confidence and a willingness to learn they will receive a good quality educational programme. The curriculum is well managed and monitored for coverage over time. Teachers have made good progress in documenting guidelines for individual learning areas and intend to develop a seamless transition in students’ learning between all class levels in both the primary school and the college. Students in the primary school regularly join with students from the college for selected activities and the staff of both schools collaborate in providing science and social science learning experiences. The primary school students benefit from access to a range of college resources and equipment that extend their learning opportunities.
School leaders are committed to maintaining small class sizes. The current teacher student ratio of 1:7 results in warm, affirming relationships. Teachers implement positive child management strategies and high levels of support are available for students with individual learning needs. The timetable is broken into four teaching sessions, with the majority of learning time appropriately spent on literacy and numeracy. Student attendance rates are high and are well monitored.
The trust employs suitable staff. The executive principal of the Wentworth schools is well experienced in his role. He has good knowledge and understanding of the school and frequently meets with the newly appointed head of the primary school, assisting her in her role. The head of primary and her staff have successfully achieved a great deal in a short time. The qualified and experienced teaching team has expertise in many important aspects of New Zealand curriculum. Teachers have begun professional development aimed at meeting school goals and systems are in place to monitor teachers’ ongoing performance. A teacher aide works successfully alongside students who receive additional support.
The school operates from suitable premises. The new purpose-built building contains large and spacious reception areas and well designed classrooms. Classrooms have good acoustics, good natural light and air flow, and are warm in winter. Rooms are lined with material that facilitates the display of teaching charts and students’ work. In addition, students have access to the adjoining astro-turf court area and the college gymnasium. Good systems are in place for the identification and elimination of any hazards on the site and regular evacuation drills are held.
The school is suitably equipped to meet the current educational needs of students. Classrooms are well resourced. The trust board has generously provided a high quality, challenging adventure playground that is well used by students. Students use the playground facilities well and are appropriately engaged during their break times.
3. STATUTORY OBLIGATIONS
Wentworth Primary School meets all statutory obligations.
Private schools are required to ensure the inculcation of appropriate patriotism and loyalty in students. In this school, staff achieve this through professional delivery of the knowledge, skills, attitudes and values of the New Zealand curriculum. The national anthem, in English and Maori language, features at school assemblies. Integrated studies include a strong emphasis on New Zealand contexts and on New Zealand’s bicultural heritage
4. CONCLUSION
This is the first review of Wentworth Primary School. The school provides suitable premises, equipment, staffing and curriculum. The students receive a good standard of tuition and the school meets all statutory obligations. The school is deemed to be efficient under section 35A of the Education Act 1989. The Education Review office accordingly recommends that Wentworth Primary School be registered as a private school.
SIGNED
Elizabeth Ellis
Area Manager
For Chief Review Officer
12 August 2008
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Our school policies are reviewed and updated regularly.
To request a copy of any policy, please contact the Board Secretary and EA to the Principal, Bruce Tong by emailing Gail Clews at: gclews@wentworth.school.nz. Printed copies are also available for viewing at the school office.
Administration
| Animals in School |
| Behaviour Management |
| Complaints |
| Board Conflicts of Interest |
| Personal Mobile Phones & Electronic Devices |
| Privacy |
| School Reviews |
| Use of ICT by Staff and Students |
Administration
- Academic Excellence
- Assessment & Reporting
- Assessments for Students with Special Needs
- Copyright
- Counselling & Career Guidance
- Curriculum Delivery
- Curriculum Review
- Homework
- Parent Interviews
- Patriotism and Taha Māori
School Life and Rules
Wentworth College school life and rules are printed at the front of the Wentworth College homework diary. A full copy is available from the school's office.
Wentworth Primary school life and rules are printed in the Guide for New Parents Handbook that new families receive on enrolment of their child.
Transport
Wentworth College offers a dedicated contracted bus service with convenient pick-up points at Silverdale, Orewa, and various locations along the Whangaparaoa Peninsula.
In addition, the College operates seven of its own buses, providing transport for students from a wide range of areas, including Matakana to the north, Kaukapakapa to the west, and Albany Village, East Coast Bays, Dairy Flat, and Milldale.
This extensive network ensures students from across the region have reliable and accessible transport to and from school each day.
The School Day
The Primary School day runs from 9am to 3.10pm, with sports and cultural activities held either during breaks, or before / after school and on Saturdays.
The College teaching day runs from 8.40am to 3.20pm, with sports and cultural activities held either during breaks or before/after school and on Saturdays.
Sport
At Wentworth College we offer students the opportunity to participate in as many different sports as possible
Summer Sports (Terms 1 & 4)
Athletic
Badminton
Basketball
Cricket
Golf (Premier League and 'Learn to Play')
Rowing
Sailing (Academy and ‘Learn to Sail’)
Summer Soccer
Swimming
Tennis
Touch Rugby
Volleyball
Winter Sports (Terms 2 & 3)
Badminton
Basketball
Cross country
Hockey
Netball
Rugby*
Water Polo
*composite team with other schools
Pastoral Care and Guidance
Wentworth operates a family ‘House’ pastoral care structure, with each student placed in a House from the time of their enrolment. Within each House, students are assigned a Tutor Group which meets once a day with the Tutor’s role being to keep an oversight on each student’s attendance and progress, and to counsel them if needed. Deans also operate as part of the caring and guidance system, being there to help the students and guide them when necessary. As students move into the senior school, careers guidance is also available through the Deputy Principal.
The College is committed to the pastoral care of students. This commitment enables every student to make a confident transition from school to work or tertiary study.
Standards of Behaviour
While at school students are expected to behave with courtesy and consideration, thus contributing to an environment of mutual respect and support.
Behaviour Outside School
When travelling to and from school, the school uniform must be worn correctly and a high standard of conduct exhibited at all times. Students should be aware that when in uniform, their conduct reflects upon both themselves and the reputation of the College.
Smoking, Alcohol and Drugs
Students must not be involved with cigarettes, alcohol or drugs at school, or to and from school, or on any occasion when they are wearing school uniform, or at any function held under the control of the College. The school will view such involvement (in possession, use or association with the activity) as a serious offence. The Police Youth Aid will be given the details of any Wentworth student who becomes involved in criminal activity while at school or while taking part in any event associated with the school.
General
Students are under the school’s authority from the time they leave home until they return home, or at any function held under the control of the College.
Electronic games, CD players, I’pods, matches, lighters, or any dangerous implements must not be brought to school.
All clothing, books and sports gear must be clearly named. No responsibility will be taken for lost property, but considerable effort will be made to find it if clothing and equipment are named.
Students are not to chew gum.
No school-age or personal friends of students may be on school grounds during school time.
Bicycles may not be ridden in the school grounds and there must be no doubling.
Damage, such as broken windows, must be reported to the school office. Students must be prepared to pay for damage caused.
If parents wish to locate their children during the day or after school, they are requested to enquire at the school office. If parents wish to discuss a problem with teachers, they are requested to make an appointment.
Internet and Computer use
All students at Wentworth College are issued with their own individual login name and password, giving them access to the school’s internal network, email and internet. Prior to being given their login details, both the student and a parent/caregiver must sign an Computer Agreement, indicating their acceptance of, and agreement with, the conditions of use stipulated in the Agreement. Disciplinary action will be taken against any student found to be breaching the terms of the Agreement.
Download the 
Internet /Computer and Computer Peripherals Agreement.
Homework
Students receive regular homework, set to allow them to practise and consolidate skills previously taught at school and to develop personal study skills. Homework is expected to be completed or a note should be produced. Because students work at different speeds, it is difficult to lay down guidelines for hours of homework, but students in Years 7 and 8 will normally have about 45 minutes of homework each night, whilst students in Years 9 to 11 will normally need to do one to two hours homework.
Homework includes:
- reading and background research
- preparation of new work
- learning vocabulary
- revision and practice exercises
- revising for tests/examinations
- preparation of projects or assignments
Parents can assist by:
- taking an interest in homework
- checking a student’s homework
- helping students plan their time
- providing a quiet place or room
Textbooks and Stationery
It is each student’s responsibility to ensure that school textbooks are cared for and returned after use in the best possible condition. Damage resulting from a lack of care will be charged. Stationery lists are posted on the school website showing the requirements for each subject, with each list broken into 2 sections. It is the student’s responsibility to purchase items in the first section, whilst items in the second section will be supplied by the school and invoiced to parents.
School Lunches
Most students bring a packed lunch from home, but we also have a same day food delivery service through www.ezlunch.co.nz If you place a food order by 9am, it will be delivered at lunchtime. On Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, you can place an order for sushi, and Thursday and Friday is a range of items from Go-Deli catering. You can see the full menu here Term 1 Menu.