Composite Classes

[dancemom]

Is there a limit to the number of years a child can be in a composite class during their time in primary school or can they be in a composite class every year?

[spanieleyes]

Some schools only have composite classes so it would be hard to avoid them!

[soontobeslendergirl]

I've heard people say that before, that they can't be constantly in a composite class, but I figure it must be a myth. How would they get round the 1 class or 2 class schools in rural areas where the children would always be in a composite class?

tbh - i don't think it makes any difference - there are always a range of abilities and ages in a class anyway and the composite classes are limited to 26 (in Scotland anyway) so they will probably be in a smaller class rather than the 32 in my son's straight class.

[Wellthen]

Why would there be a limit?

[lljkk]

DH has cousins who were in 3-4 mixed yr classes (yr4-6 all together). Bright kids who seem to be excelling fine years later.

[Tiggles]

Our school only has composite classes, it's too small not to.

[Startail]

There can't be a limit to the number of years DCs are in composite classes, some small schools run with only a reception/KS1class and a KS2 class.

DDs school has had all sorts of combined, mixed and split year grips depending on numbers.

Generally works just fine.

Single form entry and smaller primaries can't set, so teachers are used to differentiating work across a wide ability range.

DD2's teacher said Y6 covered such a range of abilities that Y5 actually fitted inside her maths scheme without having to differentiate further.

[dancemom]

I have no concerns, just someone in the playground had said there was a limit, I couldn't find anything online so wanted the mumsnet answer :)

[mejon]

DD1 goes to a school with 2 classes: YrR-2 and Yr3-6. It is a tiny rural school though. My primary school as a child had combined classes despite not being a particularly small school so that in one year I was in the oldest group in the class and the following year, in the youngest group. Don't recall any problems.