Two Rotorua schools are finalists in the 2018 Prime Minister's Education Excellence Awards.
They are Rotorua Girls' High School and John Paul College.
Ministry of Education Deputy Secretary for Early Learning and Student Achievement, Ellen MacGregor-Reid, said the finalists' entries demonstrated excellent teaching practices that supported student achievement.
"I'd like to congratulate this year's finalists in the awards. We will celebrate their achievements and share their stories with the sector, communities, and whānau.
"I wish the finalists all the best for the announcement of the winners in July."
Rotorua Girls' High School is a finalist for the Excellence in Teaching and Learning/Atatū Award
The school set out to raise Māori achievement by implementing a more holistic approach that focuses on equity and excellence to support young Māori women to achieve as Māori.
They upskilled their staff, collaborated with whānau, reviewed their teaching practice, and established a successful middle management team.
As a result, the school was able to create an engaging environment for Māori students to enhance their knowledge and celebrate their identity. This led to a rise in achievement data and the school successfully addressed the disparities in results.
John Paul College is a finalist for the 2018 Education Focus Prize/Takatū Prize.
John Paul College in Rotorua. Photo/File
The school and the Learning Support Centre wanted to raise achievement levels by engaging and connecting more with students and their whānau, and by adapting teaching practices.
Students were encouraged to take ownership of the school.
As a result, environmental projects were initiated and students are now proud and enjoy spending time in their school grounds.
Teachers built relationships with students to help create tailored learning pathways for each and every student. This resulted in a significant rise in student achievement levels across the school.
The Prime Minister's Education Excellence Awards celebrate outstanding education practices in New Zealand and this year saw 15 finalists selected from 127 entries.
Members of the judging panel are visiting the finalists during May and June to see their work and speak to all involved.
Winners from each category will receive $20,000 and a professional development opportunity.
The Prime Minister's supreme award is selected from the category winners and is presented to the early learning service, school, or kura that has had the greatest influence on education outcomes.
