Class worries

[AuntySocial]

The school my kids go to is undersubscribed so because there are not enough kids to fill 2 classes for each year they split them. So In year one my son was in a split year 1/2 class whilst the lower attaininers were in a straight year 1 class. The year after my son was in s straight year 2 class whilst the lower attainers were in a split year 1/2 class.

Everything was going great for my son until last year when there was less room for the higher attainers in the split class so instead of been in the higher class my son was put in the straight year 3 class whilst the brightest year 3 kids were put in a split year 3/4 class.

With me so far?

It was a nightmare, the whole year was horrible. He was bullied non stop as all the bullies were in the lower class. He learnt nothing as the teachers spent more time trying to control the unruley kids than teaching. He had pencils thrown at his head, chairs were thrown around, he was bringing homework home that his 6 year old brother could do and the spellings were the same as what he had to learn in year 1.

He began to hate school. This year however, he has been put back in the higher class with the brighter pupils and he has changed so much. He's up at 6.30am getting his uniform on, he's happy, he has lots of friends and he loves school again.

However, it seems that next year he will be back in the lower class. I will point blank refuse to let this happen.

What should I do? there are many reasons I don't want him in that class next year, the work is far too easy, the class is full of bullies and kids that just mess around and the secondry school I want him in relies on him passing an exam at 11 which, if he spends another year in that class I know he is unlikely to pass.

Plus, there is one kid inparticular in that class that I do not want him with again.

My question is, do I mention this issue with the school now rather than later? the next consultation evening or nearer next summer hols?

Can I insist that he is kept in the higher class?

[AuntySocial]

p.s. should also add that I would be prepared to move him to another school rather than have him in that class again. Should I tell them this or will it seem like blackmail?

[pointydog]

I think you should raise it now.

Composite classes are fine imo but too many schools chop and change the whole make-up of the class every year which can lead to a lot of general discontent, and sometimes real unhappiness, for the children.

I'd make it clear this is about social concerns, bullying, switching off school etc rather than confusing it at all with 'higher class' or academic stuff. Social issues are just as important.

[pointydog]

I wouldn't mention moving to another school at this stage. Explain your concerns, state what you want to happen and wait to hear the response before pulling any heavy stuff.

[wildwoman]

My dd is a yr1 in a mixed class of 1 and 2 and I'm worried a similar situation will arise when she goes back into her old year group next year. I would definately talk to the school sooner rather than later.