mixed reception/yr 1 classes

[littlemisschatalot]

any thoughts? is it better for a child to go with the mixed class or a pure reception class? age is in the middle of s chool yr (march)
thanks

Don?t think it is as clear cut as that. Often mixed classes are as a result of the school being small so advantages gained there. Depends on your child - ability and personality, the other children, room facilities and teachers.
However, my DD1 was/still is in a mixed class in a small school and I see lots of advantages if the teachers are organised and positive about teaching two groups. The older ones can be supportive, good role models, offer the more able pupils a challenge. The less able younger children can feel comforted having older children who have already been through it to be their classroom "buddy" and help them a little - particularly girls enjoy the mothering side of mixed classes. Down sides to it can be the quieter ones get lost in the mix and the teacher so busy juggling the age groups and extreme range of abilities/behaviour that can arise and the middlies become invisible. For some kids the second year in each class can also be good - can help boost confidence and consolidate their learning hearing the same ideas/learning concepts reiterated. However, some children can be left feeling a bit bored and unchallenged if at the top of the older group..

I personally prefer pure year group classes wherever possible, even for bright children. I think they tend to work best in practise.

Not keen on Reception/Y1 mix particularly as they are different curriculums. Y1 is the strart of key stage 1, whereas Reception is the end of foundation stage. Reception should be primarilylearn through play still, whilst Y1 moves onto more structured lessons.

If mixed are required it deends on how they work it.

I've taught a mix R/1 for 6 years and it works really well. but, I only have the younger less able less mature year 1's and there is the option for them to move up to the 1/2 mixed class if we feel they are ready

the advantage where i am is the small class size highest ever 23 with full time TA and that the less able year 1's get to access the parts of the year 1 curriculum they are ready for in a more reception style way