The teachers will soon start to consider the formation of classes for the next school year.
A number of different factors are considered with the formation of new classes, and these include: friendships; gender; nationality; new students; academic and social-emotional needs.
A balance of the above elements is required in each class. This is quite a complex task that takes considerable time and effort from our teachers. Our classes are of mixed ability and are not based just on academic skill.
There are a number of steps taken to forming new class groups, which include:
- Primary children completing a ‘Hands Activity’ where they are given the opportunity to indicate 5 other children, from their class or Year Level, that they would like to be with in their new class. The intention is for children to be placed with at least one student from their friendship list where possible.
- Co-teachers from the Year Level analyse the data on the hands and prepare new class lists, also taking into consideration the factors mentioned above regarding gender, nationality, academic needs etc.
- The Vice Principal and Coordinators then check, and if need be, modify the draft class lists and place new students.
- The final step, often completed once school has ended for the Semester, is for us to appoint co-teachers to classes.
Please note that parents cannot request specific teachers for their child and that all teachers here are qualified and competent.
The task of forming new classes is completed very thoroughly and carefully, as the intent is to generate classes where children are able to readily learn.
Class lists and co-teachers will be made available to you on Monday 20 August, the day before school commences.
Primary Vice Principal – Sherrilie BURTON