Report gives Chanel College high praise

Chanel College in Masterton has received a big tick in their latest Education Review Office report.
The college has a roll of 384 pupils in years 7 to 13, 12 percent of whom are Maori and 4 percent described as Pacific. The review was conducted in May.
According to the report, the ERO and the Chanel board of trustees have developed review recommendations including development of student learning outcomes, provision of measurable pupil targets, encouragement of independent self-motivated learning and promotion of student-centred teaching.
The report found "a high quality integration" of information and communication technologies in some classes that, although at an early stage of development, promotes independent, self-motivated learning. 
The principal has attended a workshop about the future of pupils and schools that acknowledged "five qualities of mind...identified as important indicators for developing intellectual abilities" and parent consultation is now pending to establish "the college vision" of a Year 13 school leaver, the report continued.
Chanel College is a signatory to a code of practice regarding international students and at the time of the review had a single pupil from China enrolled.
The report found the achievement of Maori pupils at the school is equivalent to that of other pupils and notes a developing recognition and understanding of a Maori worldview amongst staff. 
Some departments focus on meeting Maori needs and the head of Maori provides professional learning opportunities for staff. The college also has an expectation for the use of karakia (prayer) in all classes and powhiri (traditional Maori welcome) is accepted practice. 
Pupils also have the opportunity to obtain credits on the National Qualifications Framework in Maori performing arts and the board contracts external tutors for mau rakau (Maori martial arts), poi and the newly established kapa haka performance group. 
The report found that Maori pupils at Chanel College "learn in an inclusive environment where their cultural background is increasingly respected and valued". The college has links with its Maori community and Maori are represented on the board of trustees. 
The report recommends Chanel staff continue professional development to enhance their understanding of a Maori worldview. 
The review expressed confidence in the trustees to govern the school in the pupils' interests and the Crown, and to achieve improvements outlined in the report. 
The next ERO review will likely be made in three years.