Rangiora High School

[nickydwuk]

We will be in NZ in September and hope to settle in Rangiora/Kaiapoi area. My son would likely go to Rangiora High School. Just wondered if anyone has children going there and if they could give me the low down on what the school is like. I have looked at their website, read the prospectus etc... but I find it is often better to get inside info from those who are there. Thanks in advance.

[KiwiHopeful]

Here are the ERO reports:

Rangiora High School ERO

Let me know if I can help translate some of what it says for you: I've got an advanced degreed in Educational Jargon.

I've read through it myself and, well, I don't know that it's a place I *would not* send my kids, but it's a place where I would keep a close eye on what was going on with my kids. The comments about teaching methodologies and learning environment really struck me.

Again, nothing too, too scary, but reason for healthy concern.

[nickydwuk]

The only other schools I can see for this area are based in Chch and have a large emphasis on religion. Not sure if my son could cope with that. I think it is good but it is him I am thinking about. The high school he is in now was in special measures soon after he started but seems to have sorted itself out so maybe by the time we arrive Rangiora should be more settled.

[KiwiHopeful]

It appears that they have most likely just had their latest review. I'm not sure how long the report takes to prepare, but I would watch the website for the latest report. IMHO, it's often best to extrapolate by looking at the last two reviews a school has had (we have a similar program of school reviews in the US). That can give you a sense of the direction a school is headed in, and how serious they are about addressing any problems, as well as moving forward with new initiatives.