Adding to the debate about National Standards

James Popham, in his book “The Truth about Testing” cites three reasons why we should not allow students scores in standardised tests to be indicators of educational quality:
1. Standardised achievement tests should not be used to evaluate the quality of student’s schooling because there are meaningful mismatches between what is tested and what is supposed to be taught, and those mismatches are often unrecognised.2. Standardised achievement tests should not be used to evaluate the quality of student’s schooling because the quest for wide score-spread tends to eliminate items covering important content that teachers have emphasised and students mastered.3. Standardised achievement tests should not be used to judge the quality of student’s schooling because factors other than instruction also influence performance on these tests.

National testing in what ever guise will not improve learning outcomes for children, enhanced assessment practice, home – learner – teacher relationships, and enhanced teacher pedagogy developed within a positive, supportive environment will.
Here at Huntley we like to think we provide this.

It's just not cricket

Charlie Boon Certainly new what it was all about!

It is interesting to note that in todays modern world how many boys are not prepared to do the hard yards. Unfortunately parents on a numer of occassions support this attitude. Cricket in many ways is a cruel game you may only have one chance and then if your bowled that's it. Recently I have had two occassions where we have needed a 12th man for our prep matches. One boy asked that he play for the 3rds rather than be 12th man for the 2nds. My problem with this attitude is why hasn't he seen the bigger picture? It is a privilage to play for your school in a prep fixture. It signifies that the coach is looking at you for the future. What happens to that boy next year? I'm sorry but you weren't prepared to show service to your school and this team last year so what makes you think we are desperate to have you this year? How do we stop this "the world has stopped revolving around me so I'm going to opt out attitude" creeping in? It's simple really, parents need to educate their sons that life does indeed at times fling forward the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, but sorry build a bridge and get over it. As educators it's our job to help prepare boys for the adventure of life, not set them up for future disappointment.

Teacher observations in full swing

Andrew Osmond and I have been visiting classrooms and doing observations of the teachers at Huntley. So far I have seen some very impressive group teaching with staff using open ended questions, explaining next steps in learning for the boys. The use of the interactive white boards has been another feature of the visits. Boys know what the learning intentions are and what the success criteria is that they have to meet. Planning of units is excellent and staff are beginning to reflect more on their practice. I am sure parents will find our parent/teacher conferences beneficial.

Scots Cricket Cancelled

Unfortunately some pretty sad boys missed out on cricket, tennis and softball due to bad weather. It did save parents a rather early start!

Trip to Stratford and Hawera

On Monday I travelled with a group to Startford and Hawera to meet the Principal of Stratford Primary and TeWhiti Primary. It was part of my Experienced Principals Group course that I am doing for the next eighteen months. There were a number of things that I took from the trip that I can see being a help for our ongoing Teaching as Inquiry project here at Huntley. I liked the way Stratford structures their PLC's. I have been pleased with our progress so far but would like to have a more clearly defined process for our professional meetings.

Party in the paddock

What an amazing event Party in the Paddock was on Saturday the 20th of March. It certainly was a bust day, with Field Days, Sport and then the concert! Thew! The parents that helped out with this are an incredible bunch to work with and I enjoyed the event immensely. The bands were great and it was a good showcase for our Jazz Band before the National Festival in Tauranga.

The boys were pretty good at not playing with glow sticks after the lights were put out.

The ladies preparing a summer BBQ after beach day!