Primary School Teachers - need some input on multi-age classes please!
We're in the process of deciding on a school for DD, who starts prep the year after next.
We found a wonderful little school near home - it's small (only 220 kids compared to the 700+ at the other schools in our area), and has a wonderful, thriving community of caring and involved parents. We attended an open day today and we really liked alot of what we heard.
My question though is that all of the classes are multi-age classes. I think these used to be called "composite" classes when I was at school. They have two stand alone prep classes, and prep/year one combined class and then right through to year 7 the classes are combined.
I've heard that this can provide great learning opportunities for children who can "stretch" themselves a bit - my DD is already keen to learn to read so the idea that she might be better placed to get started on this in a combined prep/year one class really appeals - but I also worry she may get "left behind" in other areas.
I wondered what teachers think of this sort of set up? Positives, negatives? I need to hear it all. Obviously being an open day, they were very "positive" focused but I'm sure there are other things I'm not thinking about.
I have only ever taught in 'composite" classes since I started teaching, so for about 6 years (with the last 2 broken with pregnancies!) Our school has around 230 kids and has a wonderful, caring community atmosphere that some larger schools don't have. Not all but some!
Anyway the thing that I have found with it is that for majority of the time, we look at kids individually as much as we can, so for eg. this year I have been teaching 3/4 and we have some grade 3's who can do work at a grade 4 level, and some grade 4's who are at a grade 3 level etc. I don't think it matters so much as looking at what kind of programs they run for kids who need to be extended, or kids who need remedial work?
You are right, it is great for kids to be "stretched" if they need to but also great for the strugglers because in a healthy, happy classroom environment the kids forget who is a 3 or 4 and they are just classmates doing work. I'm a bit tired so not sure if I've made much sense but ask any other questions that come up hun!
Personally, I would go for the smaller school with the multi age classes.
I have taught in both a small school of around 230 students and a big school of over 700 students. The environment of a small school is beautiful. Children make so many friends and learn how to play with children of different ages - this improves their social skills. It was so great to see children in year 4 and 5 letting yr 2 and 3 kids play soccer with them in the playground, etc (which would never happen in a big school)!
In regards to learning environment - I agree with Tanstar. Your child will benefit in all areas whether she needs extra support or is working above grade level if she is in a multi stage class. A lot of work is done in groups with children of the same ability so your child will be working at her level.
If you can, try and be as involved as possible and volunteer for reading or maths groups so that you can see how the classroom runs. Parent helpers are loved by many teachers and are a real asset in the classroom.
Good Luck with your choice. Maybe speak to some other parents whose children attend the school to get some feedback from their point of view.
Thanks so much for input ladies I really appreciate it.
My hubby just found out yesterday that one of his work colleagues has his two children at this school so he was able to talk with him about it, and it's basically reaffirmed what you have both said...especially about the multiage classes.
We're going to make an appointment to meet the principal (didn't get to ask any indepth questions the other day, too many people around). As long as that goes well I think we'll go ahead and enrol her.
If anyone else has any input would love to hear.....
Primary School Teachers - need some input on multi-age classes please!
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