Our learning

Education Review Office Report Summary

"Napier Girls' High School caters for 890 students, from Napier and surrounding districts.  130 students board in the school hostel.  Trustees, management and teachers endeavour to develop students holistically through girls' involvement in academic, sporting and cultural pursuits.  School traditions are important and values of respect and responsibility are promoted.  A partnership between parents and school is effectively encouraged through consultation.

Student achievement at all levels of NCEA is above the national mean for schools of a similar decile and type.  This level of achievement is reflected in the high number of students who gain Level 1 literacy and numeracy requirements.  The principal and staff have introduced proactive initiatives in their response to the overall trend of Mäori students' achievement, which is lower than that of non-Mäori, but above that of Mäori students in schools of similar decile.

In most classes students engage with learning through high quality, well planned, sequential learning activities.  They exhibit high levels of interest and motivation.  Classroom management is focused on learning and learning time is maximised.  Relationships are strong, affirming and supportive between students and with teachers.  The overall positive tone of the school supports learning.

Students are involved in a wide spectrum of sporting and cultural activities.  Their participation and success is celebrated in school newsletters and assemblies.  Senior students develop leadership skills.  Students' opinions are sought through surveys and they participate in decision making through the school council and board.

Strong, positive leadership effectively contributes to student achievement.  The principal and senior management team display high levels of confidence in teachers assuming responsibility for leading school developments.  A collaborative approach by teachers to implementing new initiatives and sharing good practice promotes unity.

Knowledgeable trustees govern the school well.  Relationships between the board, management and teachers are supportive and roles well defined.  Effective strategic planning, following consultation with the community, provides overall direction for the school.  Annual planning includes goals and targets for promoting student achievement.  The principal and board effectively complement each other to provide sound governance and management of the school."

Education Review Office 2005