The majority of classes in Australian primary school are made up of children from the same grade. The idea behind this is to align similar stages of learning development for students of similar ages when they are grouped together.
But composite classes- also called multi-age or split year- are also common. Some parents when they get to know that their child is in a composite class, they get worried and wonder how their child is going to deal with it.
mostly in smaller schools, it’s common to come across composite classes. Usually, classes are joined if there are small numbers of pupils, or uneven enrolment numbers across different year levels.
A reason for composite classes is changing teacher-student ratio needs as pupils move through school. For example, in the first year of schooling the classes are small in NSW with a maximum of 20 students to one teacher. This teacher-student ratio reduces from year 1. From year 3 on, one teacher can have a maximum of 30 pupils.
But some schools for social and educational benefits, purposely create composite classes. During primary education, this part of a “stage-based” over an “age based” whole-school method to students’ development.
To achieve academic standards and learn at their own pace it provides two years for students. This method moves away from the idea composite classes are for the “leftover” or stressed students in the more senior year of a two-year combination such as a year 2 and 3 combination.
Mixed results are reported by researchers regarding composite classes. According to a review of studies on multi-age learning in small schools found that there many disagreements in relation with academic outcomes.
But some studies conclude that composite classes can have social and emotional benefits for students. Across different age groups students can develop cooperation and understanding while older students can develop leadership skills.
Due to enrolment numbers your child might be in a composite class out of need or when the school decides that this is a better way to educate students. Either way, it is important remember this is not necessarily a “bad” or a “good” thing.
There will be variation in ages, behaviors and competencies in every class. Regardless of what year students are in, teachers are always there to help them out.
