Return to Strategic PlansStrategic Plan Survey April 2005
Christchurch Boys’ High School Strategic Planning 2006-2009
What is the School doing well?
- Encouraging students to be responsible for their behaviour and learning. Encouragement is one thing, achievement another.
- Excellent choice of new headmaster & senior masters. Improved management since 2002, recruitment of younger international experienced teachers, better awareness of youth issues including suicide prevention, bullying and drugs/alcohol.
- Basic education. Good environment to learn in.
- Streamed the boys well.
- Generally well regarded and has good reputation. High academic standards judging from the study material my child brings home.
- Working towards academic excellence in their teaching and good person responsibility for boys.
- Kindred.
- I think that the discipline of the school has increased and it shows in the attitude of most of the students, and it is great to see the ‘hierarchy’ getting involved in all aspects of the school - sport and culture.
- Teaching, respect and discipline. Good peer support.
- Getting back to basic values - tidiness, on time, behaviour, etc. The ‘fine young man’ focus. Communication with parents - being approachable.
- Improving academic levels and supporting all sports and culture events. The wearing of uniform has improved also.
- Seems OK so far. [New parent, year 9 pupil. Two months experience.]
- I think overall the school is doing well. The Principal is NOT afraid to speak honestly and frankly about issues affecting the students.
- Sport and generally helping the boys to learn about getting out in the community.
- Creating an environment where there are high expectations of the students in all curriculum areas. Also upholding important traditions.
- Keeping a good discipline among students. Good academic results/programmes - for sports and music.
- Getting the boys to plan for their futures. Giving the boys opportunities to experience various things some would not normally get to do e.g. Year 10 camp.
- Picking up litter, classroom discipline, sporting activities.
- Instilling a sense of pride in school, appearance, and achievements in sport or academically.
- Teaching - the teachers are both skilled and seem aware of students’ abilities. Directing students toward positive behaviours.
- Don’t know, our son is a boarder (year 9) and we haven’t been involved long enough.
- Policies regarding banding and streaming; setting standards; ‘Fine young man’ programme.
What can the School do better?
- Praise/celebrate academic achievement / good behaviour at a low level. Rewarding the ‘average’ child.
- Lower the level of interruptions to classroom teaching.
- Enhance basic numeracy and literacy of entrants. Improve technology equipment e.g. ICT, data projectors, lap-top contracts for students. Update science equipment to keep up with 2005. Internationalise the culture so all students feel appreciated.
- Better learning opportunities/equipment
- To encourage the boys to learn and to give them hope, and help open their eyes to all the possibilities the world has to offer, not just in the job market.
- Keep grounds tidier. Tidy up the appearance of the boys. Keep a better eye on vandalism. Get rid of junk food.
- Maintaining academic quality and retaining a good mix of appropriately qualified staff (academic as well as extra curricula areas)
- Community work - social skills.
- Special coaching for representative athletes i.e. when students selected for South Island championships prior coaching in their events.
- Have better communication with parents. It seems that parental involvement is very limited at high school, and I feel teachers in particular do no appreciate it when they are challenged on certain aspects regarding your child.
- Possibly stream the classes - unsure if that is being done.
- Canteen - the food is appalling. Very good to see that lollies, Coke, etc gone - but still room for heaps of improvement. I know it relies on parents to help (I am one) but still could do much better.
- Amount of rubbish around the school Parent/teacher contact.
- 7th form should be allowed a common room - after all you remind them they are young adults but don’t treat them as such!!! Can improve seating for all students at lunch time. Not enough seating is provided at the present time. Improve communication between absences and records - these are often inaccurate.
- Provide lockers for all boys (weather proof). Weight of back packs is a concern for health.
- Facilities e.g. science equipment.
- Better learning equipment.
- Cultural activities and achievements must be seen to be of equal importance and value as sporting success, especially in the public arena.
- Introduce study skills at an earlier year to begin preparation for Year 11 upwards.
- Academically and culturally.
- Raise academic achievements across the whole student body.
- Control distracting classroom behaviour. Create a ‘learning is interesting/applicable’ attitude versus ‘lessons’. Allow feedback of a more appropriate means of feedback for the student voice.
- The first term under 13 cricket was disappointing but we realise that is a difficult term.
- Let tradition move forward to create new traditions. Hire more Guidance Counsellors.
What is the most important thing for our School in the next 1-3 years?
- Reaffirm that excellence in teaching and learning is the prime function of the school.
- To advance technologically e.g. food technology, ICT, electronics technology to meet market demands so all students can have access to employment in tomorrow’s job market.
- Improve facilities / number of students.
- To listen to the hopes and dreams of the boys as they might not converge with the school’s.
- To continue raising the bar for the boys and equally for how the public perceive the school.
- Focusing on education that creates a sound pathway for tertiary studies, and prepares students to be work-ready.
- Continue to focus on high standards of achievement and behaviour.
- Maintain standards.
- To address the issues on why boys are not statistically doing better/passing exams at a higher level than girls.
- That the boys do their best for the school and themselves.
- Trying to continue to sort out/or provide alternatives to the NCEA debacle. Preferably sort out -while we appreciate the opportunity for Cambridge, NZ needs its own system.
- Improving academic levels for boys and giving them higher self-esteem.
- Maintain existing standard of discipline/ caring and encouraging of positive attitudes.
- Consistent standard for NCEA.
- To make sure the boys are doing well academically and also in sports.
- Improve number of courses e.g. more options or more indepth.
- Regaining students’ and parents’ confidence in NZQA and the NCEA qualifications framework.
- Keep high standards of ‘discipline’ and prepare young med for the real life.
- Enrol more pupils, build more classrooms, enlarge the school population.
- Ensure year 9 & 10 students are well placed to succeed in NCEA.
- Improve literacy (and education in math, science, social studies).
- Continuing academic focus and providing opportunities for boys at all levels to perform well.
- To continue to develop the emotional intelligence of the boys. To continue to expose the students to our multi-cultural societal reality.
- Improving NCEA results.
What opportunities can you see for our School?
- Become the top academic school in the South Island. (2004 IMO team - 5 of the 6 team members were from the South Island - none from CBHS)
- Alliances with tertiary sector to improve staff morale, professional development and career choices for students. Cooperation with female schools to decrease the gender gap.
- To tailor the learning to the boys’ goals as well. More practical learning, entrepreneurial skills, investing, day-to-day budgeting, getting on in relationships.
- The opportunity to be more modern and teach life/survival/budgeting/real life skills/diet/relationship skills - as the boys get older and more active role with a girls’ school.
- Community education and hobby courses in the evenings to increase the utilisation of facilities and secure extra funding for our school.
- Development of cultural side - music, drama, dance and visual arts.
- Preparing students for life after leaving school.
- To be the leaders in these important years. Making the males of our society proud to be male and successful in whatever they choose to be. Creating a culture they will be proud of.
- Unsure as there seem to be a lot of opportunities at the moment.
- The school has very traditional ways and therefore will be sought after in the community for their boys to go to.
- It could gain a lot more support from the community to help raise more money for projects.
- Those created out of new facilities e.g. commercial kitchen, rock room.
- Take part in out of school activities e.g. Smokefree Stage Challenge.
- To introduce a competitive theme to academia (in keeping with the emphasis on sport). CBHS to be innovative, monitor our ideas for improvements in student learning and sell these programmes to other schools, or at least, lead the field.
- To focus on the uniqueness of boys and their educational needs. To maintain its emphasis on sport and other extra curricula activities.
What outside factors will affect our School?
- Primary school basic numeracy and literacy policy. Labour market, changing rapidly under Government’s technology drive; possible change away from NCEA to international industry standards or Cambridge exams.
- Other schools.
- Government! Funding. Apathy from parents.
- Immigration. The calibre of the teachers you employ. The rules you (the school) implement and enforce.
- The mix and aptitude of students from families moving into the school zone.
- Pressure on numbers and dishonest practices for preferential enrolment.
- NCEA - I feel is still not ‘right’ but there is little communication as to whether Boys’ High have addressed certain issues that we hear in the media.
- A bigger and bigger demand from in zone putting pressure on class sizes.
- Government decisions.
- Computer games and the like will mean average pupil will get less exercise. Fast foods will become more prevalent. Gradual shift in social standards to further liberalisation.
- Sub-dividing within zone is pushing roll up - concern that soon ‘old boys’ will not be able to enrol their sons.
- International students.
- Other schools.
- Roll growth, funding issues, increasing demands that schools take over more and more ‘parental’ roles.
- Growing, changing populations.
- Government changes.
- Government funding, competition from other schools.
- Politics, zones - as numbers of in-zone students increases the benefits of having out-of-zone students may be reduced. Tinkering with NCEA may be a distraction. NCEA should be fixed then embedded.
- The economy; government policy on education and funding; parental attitude toward both education and the school’s role.
- Continuing population pressure.
- The educational policies of the Government and the Decile system.
- Numerous i.e. government funding and any changes in government policy like bulk funding, zoning. I am unaware of any specific changes in the pipeline.
In five years time what would you hope...
The students would be like?
- Motivated, balanced students with a ‘hunger’ for education and a love of learning.
- Improved basic numeracy and literacy. Able to make decisions independently in an increasingly complex world; well balanced, hardworking, optimistic.
- Role models.
- To feel that they can give anything a go. Never give up even after so called failure. Proud that they went to the best school.
- Of a high standard of integrity. A well-rounded young person that has been inspired and equipped for a modern life.
- Well groomed and well regarded in the community.
- Honest and responsible in their attitudes.
- Prepared for life as an adult.
- Positive with a balance between academic and sport and culture.
- Well rounded and ready for tertiary education.
- Motivated, well mannered, active, well rounded, successful.
- Polite, critical thinkers who have been taught that they can make a difference.
- Just as good as present - if not better - and that would seem to be challenging in itself.
- Well presented, well mannered young men with pride in their school
- Good at both sports and academic.
- Displaying the same qualities encouraged by the school today e.g. self-reliance, self-discipline, respect for self and others.
- Responsible young adults.
- Respectful, well rounded.
- Polite, independent, well behaved, tidy and capable.
- Have confidence that school has prepared them for the next step whether it is tertiary education or work. If they go to tertiary education they have a good academic background.
- Educated, aware, polite, confident, happy, self-motivated, still questioning, friendly, thoughtful, independent, etc.
- Mature, sensible, responsible and independent.
- Able to think critically and accept the rich variety of races and lifestyles of New Zealanders.
- Confident, academically able, have goals and interests.
The leadership would be like?
- As it is currently. I believe that senior management are very supportive and strong. They work together as a strong team.
- Inspired educational leadership.
- Young, forward looking, proactive, chosen on ability not seniority connected to University, industry and business standards.
- More formal.
- Strong, motivated, inspiring.
- Strong - rules enforced.
- An authority on educational issues and a visible role in liaising with various stakeholders.
- Continue with the dedication they show now.
- Maintained.
- You can’t have success down the line with little leadership in key areas. Success/failure always starts at the top.
- To have strong leadership skills ready for adulthood.
- Positive, value based. Proactive, vocal.
- Strong and encouraging and positive.
- Very much the same.
- More of the same under the present Headmaster.
- Similar to the leadership currently.
- The school should continue o be a leader in sport but also community involvement.
- One that ensures all students, no matter what their background or skills feels CBHS is a school that offers them opportunities to advance these skills.
- Firm directions, goal setting, more autonomy re government interference i.e. schools become more independent.
- Open to feedback from students as well as parents and teachers. How often do you ask the students to appraise their teachers?
- Continuing to trial new initiatives, maintaining ones that work.
The academic results would be like?
- Improved - the notion that NCEA ‘achievement’ is an acceptable level.
- Closer to female age equivalent. Stronger in sciences.
- A lot better because NCEA would’ve been worked out.
- The same or better as long as boys are happy in the direction they are going.
- Of a reasonably high level.
- Among the best in New Zealand.
- Good, but remember skills training for those less academically focused.
- Maintain high standards.
- Hopefully improved, as a result of addressing why males are not in the top of exam results.
- A reflection of their full potential.
- Hard to say with NCEA the way it is.
- Much higher than at present.
- Always strive for improvement - but balanced education should not be overlooked. An average student who achieves average plus over 3-5 years should be seen as an equivalent to a bright student who obtains a scholarship (which they probably were always going to achieve irrespective of what school they go to).
- Over 50% of pupils getting pass marks.
- A lot better because NCEA will be gone.
- Close to the achievements of 2004.
- Improved significantly as last year’s result was not very positive.
- CBHS should aim to be in the top 10% of state schools.
- Improved, especially in the ‘achieved/not achieved’ levels. It would be marvellous to equal the school’s achievement in sports with academic results.
- Continue the high standard.
- Above average. Increase in number of students achieving ‘excellence’.
The school would be doing differently?
- More recognition for the average child who behaves well in lessons and is conscientious.
- Reviewing staff - staff and student - staff relationships during performance appraisal to enhance interpersonal culture and human resource management of school.
- More effort on learning than sports.
- Constantly raising the level of standards in every area.
- Being innovative in the teaching and learning and instilling the skills of ‘how to learn’ among its graduates thereby creating well rounded ‘educated person’ student profile.
- A variety of ‘schools’ - for technical, languages, arts, etc.
- Community involvement.
- I can see that with strong leadership throughout Boys’ High, the way forward will be positive for all who choose to attend your school!
- Unsure as we are happy what is being done at the moment.
- Maybe provide some more varied options for study (I have only seen Year 9 & 10 options - maybe there are more later) - performing arts, media studies, etc.
- Not putting too much emphasis on ‘fancy’ school trips for elite athletes, but more of a balanced effort for pupils at all levels.
- Equal acknowledgement for academics/ arts as for sport.
- Teaching methods.
- More emphasis on learning not sports.
- Enrol more out-of-zone students, and more overseas students.
- I don’t know if it is a school or an NCEA issues, but poor grammar is rarely corrected in homework. There also seems to be little emphasis on essay writing across most subjects. There is too much emphasis on short answers to questions.
- Teaching - using more technology, introducing students to a topic and facilitating research. Offer guidelines to parents for supporting/assessing student homework (booklet for each grade perhaps).
- I would like to see a school uniform that was more user friendly and suitable for summer. Woollen shorts and socks and long sleeves in 30-degree heat - not conducive to learning. How about lightweight summer shorts and shirts?
Other comments
- Listen more to students.
- Just like the boys to leave school with knowledge that they can make a difference and not to be just a worker ant no matter how well paid those ants are.
- An excellent staff - dedicated and hard working makes this a special school. Well done.
- This was written by a mother.
- Overall we have been really impressed with our 1 year and 1 term at the school. Our son is doing well, motivated and happy.
- Very positive support from Mr McIntyre in everything my son has been involved in - great to see. Thank you.
- The appointment of a new headmaster has proved very positive for the school - I only hope it continues. Improved relations between students and teachers should always be encouraged and also that not all students are sports achievers. Embrace the arts etc as well. All students are equal regardless of capabilities.
- We have no comments as we are happy with how things are going at the school, and are happy with teaching, etc.
- Bring in Cambridge system.
- Overall we believe the school offers an excellent range of subjects and extra curricula activities for the students.
- CBHS has always been a leading school but it has fallen behind other schools such as Burnside and Christ College. We should put more emphasis on academic rather than the already high quality sport.
- CBHS is often perceived as traditional and a school for rugby players. The challenge is to retain traditional values which will benefit the students e.g. politeness, presentation, and embrace learning opportunities for students. I believe that Trevor McIntyre is already heading in that direction and is making a mighty fine job of it.
- We are happy with the changes at the school - our elder son left three years ago and at the time we were disappointed by the lack of discipline and morale - things seem to have improved a lot in the last few years.
- Please be aware that not all in-zone families are Decile 10 earners. I would like to be able to email my son’s form teacher with my questions and concerns.
- It is my first term as a parent and therefore I have limited experience.