Every year Banksia Park Primary School looks closely at class structures and how to maximise the learning outcomes of students. Composite (or “multi-age” or “split” groups) are a valued part of our organisational structures to maximise the allocation of resources and to provide students with opportunities to work both independently and collaboratively, aiming for their personal learning goals.
We know these learning goals are often very different, with students at very different stages of learning and development within the same class. This is true for all classes. Teachers recognise this and there is no difference to their approach to teaching and learning in a “straight” or a “split” class.
Modern teachers are very adept at differentiating teaching and learning programs to meet individual needs. We are focused on success for every student, in every class, every day and ensure programs target all the different needs in any group of students. Teaching, whatever the age range, is focused on moving students from where they are at, towards achieving their next learning goal. All classrooms provide opportunities for students to develop their academic, social, emotional, physical and creative skills and this is at the foundation of our school vision.
This approach provides many opportunities for enhanced learning experiences for those children who are ready for it and supports those who need more opportunities to develop a particular skill, because differentiated teaching and learning is a part of every classroom, every day.
Beyond academic growth mixed ability class structures develop problem solving, resilience, socialisation, collaboration and confidence, all while providing opportunities for leadership, learning from peer models and growing independence. There are many great benefits to students learning in an environment where their individual needs are targeted in this way and this differentiation of curriculum is embedded into modern, excellent teaching practice. Our teachers also work in close collaboration with each other and will often join other classes for activities and events throughout the year.
Frequently Asked Questions?
How do you cater for all students in a composite (split) class?
It is necessary in schools to maximise the use of our resources and that means there will be many composite (split) classes throughout our school.
Teachers in composite, as well as those in straight classes, are very conscious of learning as a lifelong, continuous process. They develop a knowledge and understanding of each student’s development. Programs are planned with individual student outcomes in mind. Activities are open ended, allowing for different outcomes, depending on the stage of development of each student.
For example, a study of frogs in a composite 2/3 class may result in some members of the group being able to draw an accurate representation of a frog; others would be expected to draw and label the frog; some would be required to add a description of the frog, its habitat and so forth, while the talented student may be expected to write a short report about a particular type of frog. Teachers accept that students work at their appropriate level of development and plan programs that will extend and support the learning of all in the group. This occurs in all classes, whether a “straight class” or a “split class”.
How will students cover the Curriculum?
“Covering the work”, is an idea which comes from the early days of public schooling. It is based on a belief that there is only so much knowledge in the world, and if people keep learning long enough, they will know it all. There is no list of facts that students must learn each year of their schooling.
They do not “pass” Pre-primary, or Year 5. They do, however, pass through stages, such as beginning reader, early reader and advanced reader. They progress at different rates, reaching each “milestone” at different times, according to their own individual differences.
Nor does this take into account other, just as important, lessons to be learnt in the learning environment; how to learn; how to find information; how to present information; how to get on with other people. Knowledge, understandings, skills, attitudes and values are all part of our curriculum.
Do younger students get lost or are the older ones held back?
The simple answer is no. Students are extended at their own individual rates, regardless of whether they are in a straight or composite class. Through effective programming, students will be provided with learning opportunities appropriate to their stage of development, no matter what kind of class they are in.
My child is bright, and I believe he/she will be better extended by being with older students.
The concept of extending students depends on the provision of effective learning opportunities appropriate to the developmental stage of each individual child in the class. Every class has a wide range of abilities. Whether a child is part of the younger or the older group in both a split or straight class, their individual educational needs will be catered for by the class teacher.
What does some of the research say about the benefits of composite classes?
- Research has shown that students in composite (multi-age) classrooms are at least as successful academically as their typical school peers.
- Older students provide a model of intellectual development as well as of appropriate behaviour for the younger students.
- Interaction between less and more advanced students, benefits all individuals both academically and socially.
- Younger students are able to seek help from a wider range of people rather than relying on the teacher to help them all the time.
- Older students are able to practise the skills they learn by teaching them to the younger students.
- There are less behaviour problems because younger students integrate quickly into established class routines as older students model appropriate behaviour.
- Students are more confident, can operate better as part of a group, are more assertive, develop a greater respect for individual differences, become more independent learners and better problem-solvers. They also make friends outside of their standard age-groups.
- Older students can benefit from helping younger students in cooperative learning situations.
- Composite classes build self-esteem and personal competence and provide opportunities to build social skills in a context more reflective of the social interactions within families and the community.
- Changing the focus of learning from achieving a certain grade to individual personal best, alters the nature of the learning experience to lead children to value learning and the learning process.
- Students experience a wider range of roles including leadership and responsibility within a composite learning environment.
- Although a student might be chronologically a year older or younger in a composite class, and the learning path may be different, the destination of achieving their full potential will be the same.
If I still have concerns about my child’s class, who should I speak to?
At Banksia Park we pride ourselves on our strong relationships and partnerships with our school community. In all circumstances, if you still have concerns after speaking with staff, the Principal will assist you, or point you in the direction of someone who can. Please call our friendly office staff to arrange a mutually convenient time to discuss your concerns.