ability sets

[PocketRocket1]

DS just going into year 3. There are three classes in the year and last year they were split for maths into a top, middle and bottom set. I don't think they are doing that this year. I'm concerned that the more able children won't get pushed/challenged. In the classroom they are seated on tables according to ability but even so I am quite concerned. Should I be?

No! Year 2 is very early to be streaming.

Good teachers can differentiate across all ability groups - bad teachers can't.

Even within one stream there will be a range of abilities and differentiation will be needed.

So what you really need is a good teacher - not streaming.

Thanks indigoBell, much appreciated :-), he's starting Yr3 does the same still apply?

I don't think Y2 is too early to start streaming.

My dc's school began streaming for maths only in year 5. Seemed to work well for all abilities. My ds has always been very able at maths and it didn't actually seem to make all that much difference whether they were streamed or not, the work was easy regardless. What made a bigger difference by far was the teacher - some are just so much better at making maths interesting and motivating students.

PocketRocket - honestly, chill! :)

If the school is good and the teaching is good your child will be given appropriate work.

If the school and teaching isn't good then streaming won't help.

Year 3 is soooo young. Stretch your child in a hundred ways at home. I'm sure he'll be absolutely fine at school.

If you're really worried find out what his target is for this year. If you're saying he's quite able I'm guessing he got a 3 in his SATS last year. Most schools target 2 sublevels of progress a year. So ask the teacher. So for example say he got a 3b last year he might be targeted to get a 4c this year.

So kids in the class will have different targets - but it's the teachers job to make sure all the kids reach their target.

Once you know what his target is, then you just need to check with the teacher (every term or so) that he is on track to meet his target.

If he is meets his target and makes 2 sub levels of progress - then he has been sufficiently challenged.

Snorkie - exactly. There'll still be a wide range of abilities within a stream. So there still needs to be appropriate differentiation - which means it still comes down to the teacher.

Thanks girls :-) esp IndigoBell you hit the nail on the head!!