Auckland International College

Findings

On the basis of the information obtained during the review, ERO considers that Auckland International College meets the criteria for registration as a private school set out in the Education Act 1989.

1 Background

The Chief Review Officer has a statutory duty to report on the performance of private schools throughout New Zealand.

ERO reviews of private schools are significantly different in process and more limited in scope and reporting than those for state and state-integrated schools, focusing as they do on the Criteria for Registration set out in section 35C of the Education Act.

Section 35I of the Education Act 1989 requires the Education Review Office (ERO) to review private schools and to report to the Ministry of Education on whether each school continues to meet the criteria for registration. The schools are privately owned and the legislative requirements are significantly different to those for state and state-integrated schools. Private schools are not required to follow the National Education Goals or National Administration Guidelines.

What does apply in place of the legislation imposed upon state schools by the Education Act is the contract between the persons paying for the tuition of the child at the school - the parents - and the school authority. Those are matters between the parent and the school’s governing body. More information about ERO reviews of private schools can be found on ERO’s website www.ero.govt.nz/Reviews-Process.

The criteria for registration are that the school -

a) has premises that are suitable, as described in section 35D; and

b) usually provides tuition for 9 or more students who are of or over the age of 5 years but are under the age of 16 years; and

c) has staffing that is suitable to the age range and level of its students, the curriculum taught at the school, and the size of the school; and

d) has equipment that is suitable for the curriculum being delivered or to be delivered at the school; and

e) has a curriculum for teaching, learning, and assessment and makes details of the curriculum and its programme for delivery available for parents; and

f) has suitable tuition standards, as described in section 35F; and

g) has managers who are fit and proper persons (as described in section 35G) to be managers of a private school.

2 Criteria for Registration

Auckland International College (AIC) provides suitable premises, equipment, curriculum, staffing and tuition standards.

The secular coeducational college is owned by a private company and operated by a governing council that includes the school principal and the director of student residence. A sound framework of policies and procedures guides the school's operations.

The college provides a three-year programme consisting of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma in Years 12 and 13, and a preparation year course in Year 11. Its formal school year coincides with northern hemisphere term dates to enable students graduating in June to make a timely transition to university enrolment worldwide. The college has recently introduced a Year 10, half-year preparation course to develop and improve the English language skills required to successfully participate in the Year 11 preparation course. Details of the programme are made available to parents.

The AIC curriculum underpins the college's vision to ensure students graduate with grades to enable pathways to the best universities globally. The curriculum has an international focus with a strong emphasis on academic excellence and foreign languages. A component of the IB Diploma is the Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS) programme that supports students to develop independence and social responsibility. School leaders are currently exploring ways to strengthen opportunities for students to experience New Zealand's bicultural heritage.

School leaders and teachers provide programmes in an environment that places appropriate importance on student wellbeing and wider learning. Teachers endeavour to foster students' future leadership in the global community. They gather student voice to help inform the future direction of the school.

Teachers are suitably qualified and engage in meaningful appraisal and professional development opportunities. Generous staffing levels ensure students have access to academic staff and university guidance counsellors, deans, mentors and support staff as needed. Teachers know students well and cater for their individual needs and strengths. A high number of bilingual staff support students in their learning. Well-embedded pastoral care systems make good use of external agencies and professional services.

School facilities, equipment and resources support teachers to deliver the school's curriculum. Students now have access to updated science laboratory facilities and extended equipment for digital learning.

The school's managers have attested that they comply with the provision of section 35G in respect to their being fit and proper persons to manager the school.

3 Other Obligations

There are good systems in place for the school's managing body to be assured that its other statutory obligations are met.

4 Other Matters

Provision for international students

The school is a signatory to the Education (Pastoral Care of International Students) Code of Practice 2016 (the Code) established under section 238F of the Education Act 1989. The school has attested that it complies with all aspects of the Code.

At the time of the review there were 109 international students attending the school, mainly from Korea, China, Vietnam and Japan. Most international students live at the school's boarding hostel or in AIC homestays.

International students are well supported to achieve success in their academic studies. Their pastoral and wellbeing needs are prioritised by school, hostel and homestay staff who work responsively to meet the needs of each student. International students participate in sporting and cultural activities outside the classroom.

Provision for students in the school hostel

The AIC boarding hostel, located about five kilometres from the school, currently accommodates 57 students, or 33 percent of the school roll. It is owned by the same private company that owns the school. An appointed director with responsibility for the boarding hostel reports to the AIC School Council governing body. The hostel owner has attested that all the requirements of the hostel regulations are met.

Hostel students receive responsive care and support for their physical and emotional wellbeing. The hostel is efficiently and effectively managed. Boarding students develop self-management and study skills. They have responsibilities within the hostel community and contribute to the wider life of the college.

The owners have responded positively to the recommendations of the 2014 ERO report. Facilities have been improved, health and safety issues have been addressed, and communication and reporting provide useful information for ongoing improvement in provision. Student feedback is regularly sought and acted on.

At the time of the ERO review, preparation was underway to relocate into new hostel premises.

5 Conclusion

On the basis of the information obtained during the review, ERO considers that Auckland International College meets the criteria for registration as a private school set out in the Education Act 1989.

Steve Tanner

Director Review and Improvement Services (Northern)

Northern Region - Te Tai Raki

14 February 2020

About the School

Location

Blockhouse Bay, Auckland

Ministry of Education profile number

473

School type

Private Secondary (Years 9 to 15)

School roll

65

Number of international students

109

Gender composition

Boys 33

Girls 32

Ethnic composition

Chinese
other Asian
other ethnic groups

51
7
7

Review team on site

November 2019

Date of this report

14 February 2020

Most recent ERO report(s)

Private School Review
Private School Review
Private School Review

December 2014
March 2010
May 2007