PRIMARY CLASSES 2011

Composite classes
In 2011, we will have 2 composite classes in the Primary School. We have not had composite classes at HCC for a number of years. Due to enrolment growth we have created an extra class in our Early Years in 2011; this has facilitated the need to have a Grade1/2 composite class. There will also be a Grade 5/6 composite class. Some parents do not like composite classes, but we feel that this fear is really unfounded. There are, in fact, many benefits of having composite classes.

The key to appreciating the benefits of composite classes is in understanding that growth is determined in stages and not by ages. Ironically, every class is already a composite in terms of the range in school starting ages and the different academic abilities of the students. State educational authorities throughout Australia group student learning into stages, usually over a two-year period. The emphasis is on the progression of the individual through logical stages of learning. In every class – including composite classes – students are assessed to ascertain their current level of learning. The teacher will then design and implement a program that caters for all students’ needs, while keeping in mind that content in the stage or stages must be taught.

Tests of academic achievement have consistently shown either the same or slightly improved scores from children in multi-age classes. In addition, research shows that there seems to be a positive effect in terms of social/emotional development - children seem to like school better and be more advanced in 'interpersonal intelligence' than their peers in 'straight' classes.

Social benefits include a wider choice of friends, earlier opportunities for leadership roles, mentoring of younger students by older ones and "less competition and aggression".

Before a composite class is formed, teachers consider the children’s learning stages and decide which would be the best way of organising the class or classes.

The latest teaching and learning materials are being developed with multi-age classes in mind, allowing teachers to simultaneously develop an understanding of learning outcomes at different levels within a stage. Wherever possible, the teaching and learning activities within each stage are parallel to each other, ensuring that teachers can introduce core concepts to the whole class and differentiate instruction for the range of learners in the classroom.

There are also class size benefits in having composite classes. By combining two year levels in one class, class sizes remain smaller. Our average Primary class size in 2011 will be 18, I am sure you will agree this is an excellent number. It would not be possible to maintain this excellent class size without composite classes in 2011.

Jason Burgess
Head of Primary

• Prep Lamott
• Grade 1 Orton
• Grade 1/2 Mrs Hannan
• Grade 2 Buchanan-Jeffs
• Grade 3 Ratten
• Grade 4 Philander
• Grade 5 Elkington
• Grade 5/6 Tucker
• Grade 6 Bunyon
• More....