Classroom arrangements in Key stage 1 and 2
The pupil admission number or (PAN) is the number of new pupils that a school can admit into its reception classes each year. At Springfield this number is 42. This was set by the Local authority many years ago and has not changed since. However, there are times when more children are admitted into a year group usually due to a request by the Local Authority or at the Head teacher’s discretion.
As a result of our admissions number of 42 when children move into Key Stage 1 and beyond, we are unable to accommodate all children in single age group classes. There will always be some single age and some mixed age classes (where children from two year groups are mixed together).
There are many benefits for children being in a mixed aged class. Staff at Springfield are highly skilled at planning for and delivering differentiated lessons. We operate a 2 year cycle of topics and themes so that children are not repeating their learning. Children work towards age-related expectations and are challenged and supported according to individual need.
Some aspects of work are undertaken as a whole class, others in small groups. Some tasks are carried out individually. Small group work may be according to stage or age and may be organized across classes. Children really benefit from this variety especially when they are invited to work in social groups of their own choosing. We also have a number of theme days and weeks where all children work together across all phases.
We also know our children benefit in many ways from the opportunity to learn alongside each other; we observe children becoming an ‘expert’ for younger class mates and a positive role model which others aspire to. This ‘vertical’ grouping often nurtures thinking & problem solving skills, vocabulary & social competences. There is often a greater sense of cooperation and opportunities to work with a wider circle of peers. We hear their language skills develop through broad, social interaction. We watch them supporting each other as caring individuals and we see their confidence grow in a can-do environment.
At Springfield we have created an environment in which our children can learn and feel happy and thrive, a place where their teachers know them well and are able to meet their individual needs. Sometimes children can have several years with the same teacher (as staff move across year groups) and this provides a perfect opportunity for staff to develop a deeper understanding of a child’s needs and strengths, therefore being in a stronger position to better support the child’s learning. In turn the child knows their teacher well, understands the expectations they have, and can build upon a level of trust that encourages them to ‘have a go’ or try something new.