Dear Parents,
Due to changes in the number of children on the school roll it will, most probably, be necessary to form composite classes for 2010/2011. A composite class is one where children from two or more year groups are taught in the same class.
The class size maximum is:
➢ Primary 1 will be a maximum of 25 for multi age and for single age groups.
➢ In Primary 2-3 the class size will be a maximum of 25 for multi age and 30 for single age groups.
➢ In Primary 4-7 the class size will be a maximum of 25 for multi age group classes and 33 for single age classes
In Stirling’s 42 primary schools, 37 schools organise learning in multi age groups at some stage in the school. This means that learning in multi age groups is standard practice in the vast majority of Stirling schools and that moving to and from multi age groups to single age groups is common.
The probable organisation of classes for Strathblane Primary School for 2010/2011 will be as follows:
Primary 1 /2 class
Primary 2 / 3 class
Primary 3 /4 class
Primary 4 /5 class
Primary 5 / 6 class
Primary 7 class
Stirling Council have an information leaflet available to parents called “How learning is organised in schools”. A copy of this is available on request from the school or can be found on the Stirling Council website in the A-Z directory.
I realise that this will be a change to how learning has previously been organised at Strathblane Primary School. This letter is the first stage in a series of communications about the organisation of classes. When a final decision has been made I will arrange a meeting with parents early in the Summer Term to allow for dialogue and discussion about concerns, or to answer questions or queries. There will also be the opportunity for parents and carers to talk about the organisation of learning at the parents meeting on Friday 7th May at 2:15p.m.
The creation of composite classes will not inhibit the progress of learning for children in a composite class. It is my understanding that some parents feel concerned that their child may be seen to be kept back. Teachers will ensure that all children work within programmes suitable for their age, aptitude and ability. All teachers are trained to work with mixed ability classes whether in a single stage group or in a composite class. In all primary classes there are wide ranges of abilities and all children learn in different ways, responding to a variety of methods and resources. Teachers aim to meet the different needs within any class and plan accordingly.
Yours sincerely
Sandra Logan
Headteacher