Rotorua Boys' gets thumbs up

By ABIGAIL CASPARI in Rotorua

Rotorua Boys' High School has capped off the year on a positive note with a glowing Education Review Office (ERO) report.
The report's release coincides with a number of new developments at the school, including the opening of a $4 million hostel earlier this year.
Work has also begun on a $1.25m upgrade of the administration block, expected to be completed by the middle of next year.
In its latest report on the Years 9 to 14 boys' secondary high school, the ERO has given high rankings in the welfare of students, quality of teaching and management.
However, last year's NCEA data revealed the levels of achievement were below national averages, although they were comparable to schools of a similar decile.
Principal Chris Grinter told the Daily Post his school was no different from many other boys' secondary schools.
"We, like all boys' schools, reflect the fact there is a gap in achievement between boys and girls ... as a school for boys we have to grapple with that challenge of trying to close the gap."
To improve the levels of achievement, a new timetable has been designed that will restrict students to sitting only five subjects next year.
Previously many students had achieved more credits than they needed to move on to the next level of NCEA, but they were not achieving merit and excellence grades, Mr Grinter said.
Sitting only five subjects would allow students to focus on getting higher grades. However, there would be an opportunity for students who are "academically able" to sit six subjects.
The school would also put more emphasis on numeracy and literacy.
A feature of the school that was noted by the ERO was the introduction of a junior certificate for Year 9 and 10 students.
Brought in two years ago, the junior certificate helped prepare junior students for sitting NCEA, Mr Grinter said.
The ERO commended Mr Grinter for his strong leadership and having a clear vision for the school.
It also said the board is well led by an experienced and knowledgeable chairman.
There is effective teaching across the school with a good number of examples of high quality.
Also noted was the school's sporting successes.
"The availability of, and participation by, boys in a large number of sporting and co-curricular activities is a feature of the school. Individuals and groups of students continue to achieve high levels of success in these activities at local, regional and national level."
Funding for the upgrade of the administration block came from both the school and the Ministry of Education.
Mr Grinter said upgrading the administration block, which was built in the 1920s, was to meet new building requirements in the event of an earthquake.
Staff would move into classrooms attached to the library in the meantime.