Composite Classes at Bridge of Weir Primary School Monday 16th June 2014

Composite classes include pupils from more than one stage are required because of staffing allocations based on the total number of pupils regardless of number at each stage involve both educational and organisational considerations should take account of existing successful literacy groupings ie pupils who show the capacity for working well as a learning group

Literacy Groupings Current Classes P1a P1b P1c P2a P2b

Current Primary 1 = 61 Current Primary 2 = 66 Maximum class size at P2 = 25 P3 = 30 Composite = 25 Session a = 25 2b = 25 Composite P2s = 11 3a = 25 3b = 28 Composite P3s = 13

Current Composite Configuration P2a P2b P3/2 P3/2 P3a P3b

Every class is a composite class - there will always be a range of ages/abilities/levels which teachers must take into account Current P1 – children range in age from 5 years 4 months to 6 years 6 months Our priority is that your child will work within a programme appropriate to his/her age, aptitude and ability Teachers regularly liaise to ensure children in broadly similar groups are progressing at a similar pace

School Management Team meet with teachers from each stage to discuss and monitor pupil progress once each term Pupils in P2 and P3 will follow separate programmes in literacy and numeracy They will work together in all other curricular areas although teachers may build in tasks to challenge older pupils or adjust expectations for younger ones

Children will still have opportunities to see existing friends at playtime and lunchtime When there is a special event for a year group eg a performance or Christmas party all pupils in the year group will attend Pupils may sometimes mix across classes eg at Golden Time

Will my child do the same social studies topics as others in the year group? No, a programme of social studies topics focussing on skills development has been devised to avoid repetition Will they go on the same trips? This is unlikely as outings have an educational focus and usually link to topics being studied in class.

What about friends? Being with new pupils allows your child to make new friendships. We understand that they may miss certain friends but class teachers do many “class building” activities during the first few weeks to help establish good relationships within the class. What if my child does not settle? We would ask you to give your child at least 4 weeks in their new class. If after this period you still have concerns, please get in touch so that we can discuss together how best to help your child settle into their new class.

Parent comments “Academically I feel that my daughter has progressed well and hasn’t been at a disadvantage….I believe she never felt she was missing out and I’m sure she’d be quick enough to tell me if she did!”

“Our son has had another great year and if anything we feel that he has benefitted greatly from being in P3/2. His confidence has grown and his progress has amazed us.”