Class placement is a complex and thoughtful procedure undertaken by teachers and school leaders. It involves considering various factors to create balanced and supportive learning environments for all students. While it may seem like a daunting task, rest assured that teachers approach this with your child's best interests at heart.
We aim to arrange class groupings that optimise the learning needs of our students and uses to full advantage the resources, skills and teaching styles of staff members. In order to form classes for 2025 it is important that we estimate our 2025 student enrolment numbers as accurately as possible. If your child will not be attending Reynella Primary School next year, please let the front office know, ASAP. If you have a child due to start school next year who is not yet enrolled, please enrol them now. Alternatively, if you know of someone who is considering sending their child/children to our school could you please encourage them to make contact with us very soon.
Placing students in class groups is a complex process, which takes staff many weeks to work through. It is about creating a group of students with gender balance, a range of learning abilities and behavioural and social needs in each class. Factors such as social dynamics, which children to keep together and who would be better apart, social and emotional maturity, and even physical size are all considered when making class groups.
We have a very strong team of excellent teachers and we expect that wherever your child is placed, there will be learning success. Most parents are happy to leave this process to the class teachers. We anticipate that many classes next year will be composite due to the increasing needs of the students. Research, which has been predominantly conducted in primary schools, suggests there is no discernible difference between composite and straight grade classrooms in terms of academic performance. However, benefits relating to student independence, responsibility, resilience and study habits have been highlighted. Some say composite classrooms are more flexible; allow children to work at their own pace; offer a wider range of friendship opportunities; and encourage more co-operation and tolerance. It is the quality of teaching, combined with student interest and engagement that are considered important factors contributing to student success rather than class structure.
CLASS PLACEMENT PROCESS
Teachers provide information on the social, emotional, behavioural and academic needs of students. Students are asked to give input on their preferred friendship groups. Some parents may wish to draw our attention to their child’s learning needs; academic, social and emotional and any other confidential information which could have an impact on their child’s class placement. We ask that parents do not request specific teachers or make friendship requests unless you believe your child needs to be separated from others to optimize their learning. We will consider all requests but cannot guarantee that they will be fulfilled and ask that parents trust this process.
We are confident that teacher appointments will be finalised before the end of the year. Once classes are finalised, placement changes will not be made except if there are enrolment variations or staff changes. If you would like to submit information for the class placement process please collect a form, available from the Front Office and return it filled in no later than Friday 1 November. Alternatively, you may complete the Skoolbag eForm which will be open from the beginning of term 4.
