Mixed year2/3 class next school year

[ClaraRenee]

Hi,
My DD aged 7 is currently in year2 in a mixed year1/2 class. There are 3 mixed year 1/2 classes based on mixed ability.

She is a very able child who has underachieved this year due to a lack of differentiation in the class. For example, all year 2s receive the same spellings, she does not have to learn them as they are too easy.

Parents received a letter from the Headteacher last week informing us that there will be 3 mixed year2/3 classes next school year. Parents are shocked as we all think that a class spanning 2 key stages cannot be taught together. For example, different assemblies, different curriculum, playtimes etc.

The Headteacher is unwilling to hold a meeting with parents about our concerns.

Has anybodyhad experience of a mixed class of year 2/3 children?
Does anyone think this can work?

Thank you,

A bewildered mum.

I can't think of any schools I've worked in that have combined Y2/3 but small schools have to do this all the time. It's likely that a curriculum map will have been drawn up so that children all receive the education appropriate to their key stage, development etc. even if that means that some will study the 'Fire of London' in Y2 whilst others do so at Y3.

Assemblies don't have to be different just because of the key stage - at my two form entry primary we don't split by key stage. The additional playtime that Y2 get could be used as an opportunity to do/start off an activity with the Y3s.

Why are the parents shocked? Are any of them Headteachers/similar who know that this is not allowed? In general school arrange the classes the way they do for valid reasons, not to wind up the parents.

Perhaps, instead of asking for meetings about the concept in general it would be more useful to ask the Head for reassurance that a) your own DD's needs will be met in a mixed class and b) the curriculum has been mapped out so all children will receive the education they're entitled to.

I'm surprised that the school has been so open to acknowledge that your DD's lack of progress is purely down to a lack of differentiation... hopefully this honesty will mean that differentiation is something they will focus on in September.

Ours mixes year 2 and 3 tpgether, though usually only about 4- 6 year 3, and about 22 year 2.

I am not aware fo any problems with this at all.

The only issue I have ever known of was atlunch time when KS1 have a different sitting time to KS2. The y3 children in with y2 were told they could go in whichever sitting they felt more comfortable in.

yes they have this at our school, it didn't seem a great success for ds
2 key stages can be taught together and don't need different assemblies and playtimes
you might find they are taught in their year groups for maths and literacy for example
I would be more concerned that the head is uniwlling to discuss tbh

Hi,
Thanks for your comments. It is a concern that Head won't meet with parents. She is also mixing year 4/5, ( I also have a DD in year 4), and is holding a meeting for these year groups but not the younger ones.

Parents are shocked as we didn't expect this, as shes never mixed classes across 2 key stages. My hubby is a secondary school teacher and says you would never mix yr 9 and yr 10.

It is a big issue at our school as the senior management are forever mixixng the classes every yr. There is no consistency. My DD in yr2 has been in 3 different classes with three different groups of peers in her first 3 years at school.

There seems to be a total lack of consistency for her.

Every year there seems to be something else for her to contend with.

Thanks for your replies