The latest Education Review Office report for Bohally Intermediate is a tribute to hard work by staff and is a good foundation to build on, according to incoming principal Andrew Reid.
The school, in Blenheim, was given a positive report by the department this month and noted progress in achievement, especially in maths and reading, and quality teaching staff.
Mr Reid officially started at the school on Tuesday after taking over from Brian Tuffey and said the report was a celebration of work put in by staff since the last review in 2009.
The report says about two-thirds of the 446 students were at or above national standards and most progress had been made in maths, followed by reading.
Students were also engaged in their learning and had ''clear and high expectations'' about learning and behaviour.
Teaching staff also rated highly in the report.
''Teachers actively work to build and maintain positive and constructive learning environments,'' the report says.
''Teachers are affirming and model positive interpersonal relationship skills. Interactions with students are respectful.''
Mr Reid said the report would be a good base to continue to improve the school.
''It's nice to come in and worry less about fixing things than dreaming about what's possible.''
Further improving the information and communication technology and teacher practice are on the list to continue developing, he said.
The report says Maori students were over-represented in the group of students underachieving in national standards.
However Mr Reid said this was a national issue and the school tried to support all students who were underachieving.
Management and staff were determined to build their te reo Maori abilities and create an increased sense of belonging for Maori students, according to the report.
Bohally Intermediate board chairman Kenrick Barter said was ''a real good pat on the back'' and recognised the hard work by staff and the board.
He was glad the report writers noted the good relationship between staff and children which was something Mr Tuffey had focused on during his time at the school.
The report did not point out any serious problems that he or the board thought needed extra attention.
''I can't see any really serious negatives that myself or the board are worried about. They're things we will work on naturally.''
He was confident the school would continue to improve under its new leadership and continued hard work of staff.
The school's next ERO review will be in three years.
- The Marlborough Express
SIMON WONG
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