About Us
Burwood School is a state, co-educational, contributing primary school.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF SCHOOL
Burwood School typically starts each year with a roll of about 400 children. This grows to about 470 by December. Normally these are distributed among 18 classes. The ethnic composition of the school roll is predominantly Caucasian, with about 7% Maori, 3% Asian, smaller percentages from other ethnicities and a number of International Fee Paying Students. The children come from families where a range of occupations are evident. The majority would fall within the middle income groups and the school’s Ministry of Education decile rating is ‘7’. The achievements of the children tend to reflect this middle ground. Generally they are enthusiastic about school, are well supported and encouraged by their parents, and are well behaved.
The school's teaching staff are experienced and dedicated to the children of the school. Turnover of staff is low. The teaching staff are supported by conscientious, experienced ancillary staff who involve themselves fully with all aspects of school life.
The school's buildings vary considerably in age and style. There are 19 - 20 classes. Nine of the classrooms are modern re-locatable type buildings. Another block of four classrooms and two resource rooms is about fifty years old. These buildings are complemented by two wooden blocks, one with three classrooms and one with two classrooms, which are about sixty years old. One of these includes the administration area, staffroom, etc. and the other has a dental clinic attached. A comprehensively equipped library block is the newest building having been officially opened in May of 2007. It has been designed to provide a teaching and learning resource that will serve the school well into the 21st century. Other buildings include a large community hall, a modern storage facility and an ex World War Two prefabricated classroom. The school also has two modern storage facilities.
The buildings are located in expansive grounds which are made more interesting by mature trees and generous shaded areas. Other features are a dual swimming pool complex and two comprehensive adventure playgrounds.
DESCRIPTION OF SCHOOL'S COMMUNITY
Burwood School is located within an Eastern Christchurch suburb of the same name. Housing within the district is, for the most part, less than fifty years old and most householders own their own homes. Most adults derive their incomes from salaries or wages, with many homes enjoying two incomes.
The school’s community is interested and supportive. This is evidenced by willing parental involvement in class programmes, full attendance at parent/teacher conferences, and a very active Board of Trustees and Parent Teacher Association.
A characteristic of the community is a lack of 'community focal point'. There are small groups of shops in places, the school and it's facilities, as well as a number of churches, but nothing is centralised.
Within the immediate community there are two kindergartens, one play-centre and a number of other pre-school facilities.
Consultation between the community and the school shows that the community is, for the most part, satisfied with the school and the school enjoys the community’s support.
It is particularly noteworthy that several children at the school are either the second, third, fourth (and there was even two cases of fifth generation) through the school. This is remarkable for a city school and is a reflection on the stability of the community.