Classroom Arrangements
The pupil admission number (PAN) is the number of 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. However, there are times when more children are admitted into a year group. This is usually due to a request by the Local Authority or at the Headteacher’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 everyone in single age 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 so that children cover all learning objectives across their time in each Key Stage. Children are challenged and supported according to individual need. Aspects of work are undertaken as a whole class, in small groups or individually. 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 events where children work together across phases.
We also know our children benefit in many ways from the opportunity to learn alongside each other; we observe children becoming experts for younger classmates and positive role models, 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 learn, feel happy and thrive. A school where teachers know pupils well and are able to meet their individual needs.