Manurewa Intermediate is motoring and moving up

A challenging road lies ahead for Principal, Iain Taylor.

“Manurewa Intermediate is motoring and moving on up” – principal Iain Taylor prefers catchy slogans like this because they sum up the journey ahead for the previously struggling decile one South Auckland school.

Behind the slogan is dead serious stuff. Mr Taylor, a former Manurewa Intermediate student himself, is intent on turning around the school and leaving behind its seemingly ingrained culture of low student achievement, poor teacher and parental engagement.

Despite the daunting challenge, the school seems to be on the right track. Lifting student achievement, parental involvement and belief in the school are currently at its pinnacle.

Strong and enthusiastic teachers - who have great relationships with their students and high expectations of what they can do now - support the school. This positive change is reflected in the Education Review Office report stating this year:

“The principal provides transformational and educational leadership, and with the support of his management team and trustees, places a strong emphasis on encouraging success for students and teachers at all levels of the school.”

A strong sense of purpose and direction is now prevalent in the school. “Teachers have worked extremely hard to ensure that classroom practices across the school have significantly improved levels of student engagement.”

School-wide data has also shown that some students have made significant progress in their learning.  “The learning environment has dramatically improved and developments are contributing to a safe physical and emotional learning environment for staff and students, which is promoting a strong sense of pride and belonging," the report says.

Iain Taylor says, “I like to take risks and this is what I like my staff and kids to do. That is part of the excitement of reaching your potential.”

Perhaps the major focus for Mr Taylor in turning around the school has been the development of positive relationships between teachers and children.

“Maori and Pacific Island kids need to know, more than anything, that they are respected and liked. Relationships are vital and we are mentoring staff about being motivated and communicating positively with the kids.”

“As a teacher you have to show them that you care about them, that you are interested in them, that you believe in their potential and that you are passionate and energetic about your job. It’s a huge challenge and we’ve achieved a lot in a short time.”

The school’s charter and strategic plan has been developed with input from staff, students and parents, stating the school’s vision “Adventurous risk takers: persistent focussed achievement”. Last year, a positive school code of conduct and behaviour management programme was developed with the kids’ full involvement.

The ultimate goal for the school is having a modern and focused environment that gives kids the best deal “because they deserve it," says Mr Taylor. “We want Manurewa Intermediate to become a world-class multicultural school.”