New Report Supports Change To Co-ed   29 Jul 2016

New Report Supports Change To Co-ed

An independent review released yesterday shows strong support for Halswell Residential College becoming fully co-educational, a decision confirmed by the Minister of Education, Hon. Hekia Parata, this week.

The Standards and Monitoring Services (SAMS) report says “the Evaluation Team believes Halswell Residential College provides an environment that minimises risk for all of its students regardless of gender and on this basis believes the College would successfully support a co-educational roll.”

Board of Trustees chair, Lois Chick says it is reaffirming to read the latest SAMS report, particularly as a 2014 ERO review and a SAMS assessment in 2013 were also extremely positive about the College and its educational programmes, considering the College was well placed to become co-educational.

“This is a very positive, robust report and an accurate reflection of HRC,” she says.” We are very pleased that this latest SAMS evaluation makes particular mention of the systems and processes in place at HRC supporting the development of a safe and positive coeducational culture in the school.”

When the SAMS evaluation team asked many of the people involved in interviews for the report, what they felt about a co-educational environment now that the school has had girls since 2014, without exception people believed the inclusion of girls was a resounding success. Notable comments include:

• It [HRC] provides a complete rounded social picture they won’t get any other way. (Student advocate)
• Together we can train appropriate social interaction… it can be a lifetime impediment if we don’t address it at this stage. (Individual Education Programme (IEP) staff)

• [talking about one student] she absolutely loves it there, it’s a very loving warm and supportive environment… It’s a very good tool for preparing them for life outside Halswell. (Intensive Wraparound Service (IWS) psychologist)

• It’s been life changing for X. Safety is number one for me, I don’t have any issues at all… we chose co-ed for X…I think 50% of the population is male and female anyway… you need to learn to be appropriate. We’ve never had any issues… they are never left alone. (Parent of female HRC student)

Lois Chick says “All of our students are supported with individualised programmes and work alongside highly-trained staff in a stable and nurturing environment. Now that environment will be co-ed, clearly supported by this and other independent reports, and we couldn’t be happier for our students, family and staff.” www.halswellcollege.com

ENDS

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