Catch up for pilot projects

Ngakuru Primary School principal Grant Henderson spoke on data accuracy in schools. Photo / Ben Fraser

Members of a local education initiative are discussing progress in the 12 pilot projects undertaken to encourage better education outcomes in the area.

Excel Rotorua was set up as part of a social sector trial focused on target goals, ranging from early childhood education through to high-school leavers.

The initiative is facilitated by Te Taumata O Ngati Whakaue Iho Ake Trust and supported by the Ministries of Social Development, Education, Health and Justice and New Zealand Police.

In a meeting on Thursday, representatives of each project delivered a five-minute presentation on the developments and restrictions in each initiative.

The range of projects piloted aims to remove barriers to education and improve outcomes for children and young people in Rotorua.

One scheme with the purpose of creating an effective and smooth transition between school levels sparked discussion during the meeting.

The "Transition" project, headed by Roana Bennett, chief executive of Te Taumata o Ngati Whakaue Iho Ake Trust, suggests limiting the number of intakes for primary schools so children have longer to adjust to the change.

Ms Bennett said there needed to be a cultural shift from putting a child into school as soon as they turned 5.

"While all transitions during a child's education are an issue, the one between early childhood education and primary school has been the focus."

Lynmore principal Lorraine Taylor said there were obstacles to be considered.

"It can be tricky if not all schools are involved because parents who want their child to start immediately will send them to a school that will allow them to do so.

"This project challenges a nationwide norm so it will take time to see the full effects of enrolling children into primary school later rather than on their fifth birthday."

The other projects include vision and hearing screening for 5 and 6-year-olds, stronger emphasis on literacy and numeracy, a review of the Ministry of Education functions and services, creation of an e-learning community, engagement and attendance support for "at risk" learners, a wananga approach to providing academic support, providing more teacher support, helping students manage health and well-being issues impacting their learning, ensuring data accuracy and relevance, building leadership and collaboration in a changing education environment, and ensuring all people under 20 are in training or employment by 2017.

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