[laughter]

Just wondering if anyone has any good stories to tell about their child being in a split or composite class?

All I seem to hear are the negatives. Are there any positives??!!

If it makes any difference - DS would be the lower year in the split.

[living~in~the~no...]

Great opportunities for him to be extended and work at a higher level.

[living~in~the~no...]

Great opportunities for him to be extended and work at a higher level.

[Bomber girl]

My DD was in year 1 in a 1/2 composite. She thrived that year. She is in year 4 this year in a 3/4 and has again had a good year. I'm very happy with composites

[libbylu]

At our school all the 1s 2s 3s are in together in composite classes containing 3 year levels, and the 4s 5s and 6s. Only the preps are alone. They are very into multi-age learning.

DS is going into grade 1 next year so I can't give any personal feedback yet!
Here is a link to the supposed benefits:
http://www.qsa.qld.edu.au/downloads/early_...t_multi-age.pdf

[feliz6]

what are the negatives you keep hearing about? I can't think of any potential negatives in a composite class that wouldn't also exist for a regular class.

[2bundles]

DS is at a school that has always had a multiage philosophy.

DS has overall had a good experience. Socially it breaks down the barriers of year levels. Academically it hasn't really worked any better than a good teacher could do in a straight class.

Interestingly the teachers have said that with the national curriculum it is becoming too hard, so next year will be the first year the school transitions to straight classes where possible.


This post has been edited by 2bundles: 24/11/2012, 07:21 AM

[Ruby Victoria]

what are the negatives you keep hearing about? I can't think of any potential negatives in a composite class that wouldn't also exist for a regular class.

My bold - because I think it needs to be said again.

The spread of abilities exists in a straight grade as it does in a multiage, except there will be more. A good teacher will cover these abilities in a straight grade and a multiage. A slack teacher will teach only to grade levels, maybe offer help to those who are struggling and probably ignore needs to higher achieving students - in a straight grade AND a multiage.

Multiage also allows those students from the higher grade who may be finding things difficult to be able to work in a group of kids with similar needs and skills rather than on their own or with one other.

PLUS there is the benefit of having friends a year older/younger - increases social skills.

My very bright daughter was in a year 1 of a Prep/1 multiage - and she was constantly challenged and extended by her teachers.

For me the benefits far outweigh any perceived negatives.

[Wahwah]

My guy is in a 1/2, with him being in Gr 1. It's been good for him as he is doing quite well in terms of literacy and numeracy and has found himself in work groups of only older Gr 2 kids. I'm happy about this not so much because he's working at a harder level than his Gr1 peers, but because he's pretty reserved and it's creating opportunities to observe and work with older, more confident kids. He's still the quiet one in the group but at least it's stretching him at an interpersonal level more.

Then next year when he is in Gr 2 I think he will feel he's got a role to play in working with the new Gr 1 kids.

[howdo]

It has never been an issue. It makes no difference to anything.

.