The Education Review Office (ERO) will publish on its website tomorrow its glowing verdict on the academic performance and effectiveness of learning by the curriculum for pupils and provision for international pupils in Otago's largest primary school.
The report stemmed from a visit to the school by inspectors in September.
ERO review services national manager Southern region Graham Randell, of Christchurch, said in his report pupils were "achieving well" in reading, writing and mathematics, especially in reading and writing. The school had set a target to lift achievement in maths in 2011 and pupils spoken to by inspectors said they were pleased with their progress in the subject this year.
Pupils talked confidently about their learning and completed set work independently and co-operatively in groups. They took responsibility for their own learning and understood the competencies, values and principles which supported their learning, Mr Randell said.
The school made "extensive provision" for pupils who needed extra support to succeed and programmes were "well managed" by the three special education needs co-ordinators.
ERO backed the views of the senior leadership team when it reported pupils received "good-to-high-quality teaching", an improvement since the previous review in 2008.
Teachers were "well supported" by the board of trustees, who invested heavily in professional development for staff.
The achievement of Maori pupils reflected the achievement of their non-Maori peers.
"Students recognise that their culture is being valued within the school and this is helping them to experience success as Maori," Mr Randell said.
The school of more than 30 nationalities was praised for valuing its multiculturalism in ways which enriched learning.
It "successfully adapted and expanded its programmes to promote and challenge the learning" of year 7 and 8 pupils it took since 2009, he said.
The Wakatipu business community was noted for its generous support which provided "significant income that enables the school to offer a wide variety of experiences to add to students' learning".
The school effectively used the terrain of the Wakatipu and the expertise of residents to benefit pupil's learning, particularly in outdoor education.
International pupils benefited from a "broad and varied" education.
However, ERO highlighted the school needed to "build on existing assessment practices to enhance reporting in relation to the National Standards", which was already identified by teachers and senior leaders, Mr Randell said.
Standardised and extended formal self-evaluation was recommended to be developed by trustees and senior leaders, he said.
Principal Lyn Bird said yesterday staff were "extremely happy" with the report.
"It's a validation for all the hard work they've put in and puts all parents' minds at ease that teaching and governance are at a high standard."
