Mixing Classes

It is normal within the British education system that classes are mixed up throughout their time in school. This is always something we have done here at Sunny View School and it is our policy to do this ready for entry into the subsequent year group or Key Stage.

We mix classes when we feel it would be beneficial to learning and academic progress in any given year group, or where we have an additional class in a year group. Students at the end of Key Stage 2 (Year 6) are always mixed ready for entry into Secondary. Students in Key Stage 3 (Years 7, 8 and 9) who study different subjects, such as a first and second modern foreign language, are also mixed for those lessons. Students in Key Stage 4 (Year 10 and 11) are always in mixed groups based on the GCSE options they choose.

This document explains why we believe it is important for students’ development that we mix the classes and answers some common questions about the process.

Will this apply to all year groups?

Only if it is necessary, in order to benefit the students in the class.

Will my child still be in a class with their friends?

When we decide to mix a year group, teachers use their professional judgement to consider many different factors, including friendships. Many students already have friends in other classes and will want the opportunity to work with those friends. It should of course be noted that, whilst students may not be in a class with their closest friends, they will be able to see their friends at break and lunch time. Mixing classes in fact enables them to widen their friendship circles, which, in the long run, can only be advantageous for students’ social interactions.

Will the classes be mixed ability?

Yes. We continue to teach mixed ability classes but remain open to flexible groupings for some lessons, just as we do now.

“My child has settled down and has been working increasingly well this year with their academic peer group (which does not necessarily overlap with their friendship group) and I worry that mixing up the classes may leave my child having to find their feet again and disrupting their progress.”

The current class teachers are very aware of their own class dynamics. We want students to make maximum academic progress and do not want to put any child in a position where they have a setback. We take such issues into account if we make the decision to mix a year group.

Why have the classes in some year groups become imbalanced?

When students start at Sunny View in Nursery or Reception the classes are balanced out as much as possible, taking into account a range of factors such as age, gender, whether or not students are native speakers of English and special needs. As the students progress through the school, the classes can become less balanced due to a variety of reasons such as mobility, language or special educational needs.

How will you decide the mixing within a year group?

This will be based on a variety of factors including:

• Mix of abilities

• Gender

• Level of English

• Working groups

• Teachers’ views on friendships

What are the benefits for the children?

• Better resilience in developing friendships in a safe, comfortable environment.

• Widening working groups.

• Developing social skills and the ability to work with others.

• Being part of a year group and not just a class.

• For some students, a better match to a working group.

What are the benefits for the school?

• Further development of good attitudes to learning.

• Students developing resilience in facing challenges whilst in a safe and supportive environment.

• Greater potential for grouping students in order to improve academic performance.

What is the process?

• Teachers and the Senior Leadership team will use their professional judgement to consider working groups, mix of abilities, gender and level of English, in addition to friendships.

• Students and parents will be informed, either at the end of the school year or at the start of the new school year.

What if I my child is unhappy with their new class?

All students will attend school in their new class for the first term. If you have concerns after the first term, you should put these in writing to the Head of Department. We will respond in writing but please be advised it is unlikely we will be able to make changes. Any requests for class changes will be considered towards the end of the academic year.