Western Heights Primary School
Student Needs Survey
Term 4, 2007
Health and Physical Education in the New Zealand Curriculum inTerm 4, 2007 the 2 yearly ‘Health and Physical Education in the New Zealand Curriculum’ survey was sent home with every child, to be completed by an adult family member. From a total of 585 surveys we had a return of 151 or 21%. The most returns were from the Junior School (72) followed by the Middle School (55) and the Senior School (24).
Overall there was a very positive response to the survey, with most responses showing that parents are satisfied with the programmes being provided at each level of the school, especially those relating to empathy and understanding (respect, bullying, communication of feelings, co-operation).
Key points in relation to analysis of total numbers ‘Very Important/ Important verses Less Important’
· When these two categories are compared, there is strong support of every Curriculum aspect. Aspects which were regarded as Less Important by 10%+ of the responding community were:
11(enjoy creative, cultural and imaginative movement independently and in groups), [21 responses]
15(Know about community support agencies, the services they offer and the part they play in the wider community), [32 responses]
16(understand the body’s response when participating in regular and vigorous exercise), [23 responses]
17(develop skills to manage changes during puberty), [16 responses]
· When Very Important verses Important/Less Important are compared, there is a slight shift in analysis of what is seen as most Important.
The following aspects had a response of 50% or more as being only Important or Less Important.
2(Know about grief, loss and disappointment),
5(Identify positive and negative aspects of relationships),
9( How to be a leader and how to pick teams fairly),
11(Enjoy creative, cultural and imaginative movement independently and in groups),
12(Use sports equipment appropriately),
15(Know about community support agencies, the services they offer and the part they play in the wider community),
16(Understand the body’s response when participating in regular and vigorous exercise),
17(Develop skills to manage changes during puberty). All other aspects were seen as being Very Important by 50% or more of the survey respondents.
· These following aspects were deemed by 75% or more of respondents as being Very Important:
3(Identify feelings and express them appropriately)4(Have strategies to use when responding to peer pressure)
6(Can discuss ways to address bullying)
7(Can communicate effectively and use problem solving skills)
19(Know how to care for our body)
20(Know how to identify risks and use safe practices in a range of contexts)
Overall Findings:
· There is positive support of Health and Physical Educations currently being taught throughout the school.
· There is a large parental concern in areas such as bullying and understanding, expressing and communicating feelings.
· Parents have the same opinions as the Ministry food and exercise are important.
Implications for Classroom Programmes:
· Continued emphasis on ‘The Western Heights Way’ at all levels of the school.
· Continued implementation of senior programmes focussing on conflict resolution.
· That consultation with parents is important for all health topics.
Suggestions for future Surveys:At least one more category eg Not Important to aid analysis of results
Lisa Pasalic Feb 2008
