CLASS ORGANISATION Ellison Boulters Church of England Academy

Many of us remember very little about our primary school years Can you remember being in mixed age classes? These are very common in Lincolnshire

By the end of this power point we hope to: Clarify misconceptions regarding class organisation. Give you a better understanding of how pupils are taught throughout the school.

Children experience 7 classes: Reception Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Year 6 In Ellison Boulters we have 9 classes for these 7 ages. In 2013 we will have 10 classes

PAN = Planned Admission Number This is calculated according to the space in the school – teaching and non-teaching. Our planned admission number per year is 38 The capacity of the school is 38 x7( the number of Years a child spends in school) = 266

We are a popular and oversubscribed school and children are not born in neat numbers of 38 each year…. We endeavour to ensure that we comply to the Governments standards of no more than 30 pupils in a KS1 class. Unfortunately we do lose appeals and as a result our children are sometimes in larger classes. We allocate additional teacher time to ensure that the pupils needs are met.

We usually arrange these 9 classes in the following way: Reception1 Year Rec/ Yr12 Year 1/23 Year 24 Year 35 Year 3/46 Year 4/57 Year 5/68 Year 5/69

Currently in school we have: 279 pupils Reception 30 Reception 38 R/Y1 31 Year 1 41 Year 1/2 33Year 2 47 Year 232 Year 330Year 336 Year ¾29Year 433 Year 4/531Year 549 Year 5/632Year 635 Year 5/631 We are currently 13 pupils above our capacity.

In 2013/14 we will have: 281 pupils This is without any appeals.

In September 2013 we will be moving to 10 classes across the age groups Rec Rec/Y1 Y1/2 Y2 Y3 Y3/4 Y4 Y5 Y6 This is subject to change however as our numbers have yet to be finalised

Current research suggests that mixed age classes: Benefits children academically and socially Enables children to act as role models and mentors Enables children to become more confident Benefits under and over achievers Teachers teach to ability rather than age Staff plan in teams so know all the pupils in the year group

Planning for learning We plan a skills based curriculum through our IPC topics We have a wide range of resources that stimulate children’s learning Teachers plan together to ensure that all children receive an appropriate curriculum.

Allocation of Classes What it is not: Age based Involves a child missing a year Involves a child being held back

Allocation of Classes What it is: Careful consideration of your child’s needs based on: Best fit with teacher (certain styles), male and female Mixed ability Ratio of boys/girls Siblings close together/twins Friendships (positive and negative) SEN (number of adults/support already in class) Number of total pupils in class Teaching assistant support

Every year there are a small number of parents who are dissatisfied with the allocation- for whatever reason. Whilst we are happy to discuss the matter with you we do reserve the right to keep to our professional judgment Children will do well in our school wherever they are placed whatever their learning journey

Ofsted 2011 ‘Staff plan carefully to take account of mixed- age and ability classes…’ ‘While academic success is a key priority, so is the personal development of everyone.’ ‘The outstanding curriculum focuses on practical learning and ensures that pupils make excellent progress over time.’ ‘The staff seem to know each child completely and parents have seen their child grow in self- esteem and confidence.’

Quotes from parents ‘ Academic development is important but all the children’s talents are valued and encouraged which is wonderful.’ ‘I have had two children both with very different pathways through the school. I can honestly say that both have exceeded my expectations!’ ‘It doesn’t matter to me what class they are in because I know the children and the staff will do their best where- ever they are - but sometimes other parents can be very hurtful in their comments!’ ‘ Mixed age classes are good because it teaches them to mix and be kind to other children.’