Principal: Mr.Pádraig Ó hArtaigh Deputy Principal: Ms. Louise Enright Class Teachers Ms. Mary O’Shea Ms. ÁineWalsh/Ms. Maria Moore Ms. Fiona O’Brien Ms. Emma Murray Ms. Kim Daly Mr. Mark Nugent Mr. John Coffey Ms. Mary Beresford S.N.A.’s Ms. Anita Duggan Mr. DeaglánÓ hArtaigh Mr.Tomás de Faoite Ms. Nicola Fitzgerald Ms. Lorraine Coughlan
Policy on Dividing Classes IntroductionThis policy was the product of whole-staff collaboration in tandem with the Parents and Board of Management of Scoil Naomh Gobnait.
RationaleIn the interest of providing the best education for all students, it may from time to time be necessary to divide and combine class groups into mixed classes, which are smaller in size and offer a better pupil-teacher ratio. Aims and Objectives of this Policy
To provide a framework for the dividing of classes
To outline the criteria on which children are selected to be placed in mixed or straight classes
To outline the criteria for placing children in particular mixed-class groups
To set out the supports which may be used to ensure the best learning outcomes for all children in mixed classes
Framework for the dividing of classesAt the time of planning the classes for the coming year, the Principal will look at the overall numbers in each year group and the number of teachers available to teach them. He will decide how best to organise classes with a view to providing the best educational opportunities for all children.
Criteria for placing children in particular class groupsWe group the children in such a way so as to maximise the learning outcomes and happiness for each child. When dividing a class into groups, to be placed in separate classes, there are certain criteria to be taken into consideration:
It is considered best to form mixed-ability groups
Distribution of boys/girls in classes
The dynamics of the class must be considered. Emotional, behavioural and social factors which could upset the dynamic of the new class should be taken into consideration when forming new groupings
The process of forming new friendships is a life skill which is important to develop. A positive and supportive attitude from parents is a key element in achieving a successful outcome in the new groups
It will seldom be possible to satisfy all demands for groups of friends to be kept together. This decision will lie ultimately with the Principal, who must consider the needs of every child in the class
Classes that have been divided reunite daily to play together on the playground/sports field during breaks so they can maintain existing friendships as well as make new friends in the new group. This increases their circle of friends and their abilities to form new friendships.
Explaining to parents why their child is in a divided class. The DES allots one teacher to each group of 28 pupils at present. This is known as the pupil-teacher ratio. The ideal situation for teacher and pupil would be a single stream class at all class levels with no more than 20 pupils per class. However, the current system does not allow for this and the principal has overall responsibility for grouping or dividing the classes where numbers would otherwise be too big or too small in one class. The DES’ objective is that class size should be as equitable as possible across all class levels. The pupil-teacher ratio is dictated annually by the government budget and schools have no control over this. However, the teacher will ensure that each pupil in each class will be working on the set of skills from the national curriculum for the correct class.
The supports which could be made available to children and teachers in mixed classesThe Principal, the Class Teacher and Learning Support team will consult on how best to organise the learning support for the mixed class. In some cases, the Learning Support Teacher may work in the classroom with the Class Teacher, in a team-teaching arrangement. It is possible that the Learning Support Teacher may work in the classroom supporting one child or a small group of children, with the Class Teacher doing the main teaching of the lesson. Another arrangement for Learning Support which may suit the class is for either the Class Teacher or the Learning Support Teacher to withdraw small groups of children. Occasionally, especially in the case of Senior Infants/1st, 2nd/3rd, 4th/5th it may suit the classes better, if the teaching of Mathematics is taken separately by the Class Teacher for one class and the Learning Support Teacher for the other class. All of these arrangements must be considered on a class by class basis, from year to year.
The allocation of teachers to mixed classesIt is the duty of the Principal as per Circular 16/73 to assign teaching duties.
ReviewThis policy will be reviewed in June 2019
Implementation Date Being an amended and updated policy it will be implemented immediately.
Timetable The policy will be reviewed at the end of the school year.