Mixed / split classes

[janahobbs]

Hi, would anyone be able to give me their opinion on mixed/split classes? Or anyone who has experienced this? My daughter is due to be in yr 1 in september but we have received a letter telling us that there will be split classes, reception/yr 1 and yr1/yr2. I'm getting a little worried as to how this would be determined and how will the teacher ensure that she won't be either falling behind on with the younger children or being under pressure if in the other class? After all there's only one teacher & assistant?? Thank you

Well, the R/1 teacher will teach each child what they need to know to progress and the Yr1/2 teacher will do the same! It shouldn't really matter whether your child is in a R/1, a straight 1 or a 1/2 class, the teacher will look at what the child already knows and what the next step for them is. Schools can split classes in a variety of ways, either by age, by ability or by social/friendship groups.

Reception curriculum is different to y1+, whereas Y1/2 will follow the same. But othert than thisall children should progress anyway.

Not explained myself very well, will try to come back on later

Well I teach to the child not their year group so its no different to having a single year group with a spread of abilities.

I think we will be in a similar situation, although no confirmation yet from the school that they will be doing this again. They did this last year due to a big reception year.

It's reassuring to hear the responses. My biggest concern is having twins currently in reception and if they split them up, the impact on the one 'left behind'. Academically they're both middling in the year as far as I can make out, very independent of each other in class. The main difference DD is a model child at school, DS more distractible.

I would say I've been really impressed with their progress in the R/yr1 class and I would think that the range of abilities would be as wide, if not wider, there than the class above. It all seems to have been handled very well.

Thank you so much for your responses, much appreciated.