As a staff we have begun the complex task of looking at class structures for 2021, determining teacher roles and considering where all students will be placed. Next year we will begin with what we anticipate will be 27 classes, which is based on our current knowledge of who will be attending our school in 2021.

If you are contemplating, or are certain that your child/children will not be at Brighton Primary School next year, please inform the front office as soon as possible.

The process to allocate students to classes for next year has begun. This is a complex process, which is based on balancing the needs of all students. Much care is taken with class placements to maximise opportunities for student learning. We strongly recommend that parents talk to their child’s current teacher or a member of the leadership team for clarification regarding this process.

PLACEMENT FACTORS

 Academic Balance:

All classes will contain students of varying academic ability. We try to ensure that the ability of students in each class is balanced with classes of similar age level.

Behavioural Balance:

Classes are constructed to make sure there is an even balance of student behavioural needs ie: challenging behaviours, passive learners, successful learning behaviours etc.

Straight / Composite Classes:

 Some students thrive in a composite class, others are better supported in a class with all students in the same year level while other students learn well, no matter what the class structure is. We will therefore have a variety of class structures next year at Brighton Primary School and the teachers will be recommending students they feel would benefit from a particular structure. I know there is no need to remind you that the most important aspect of how a school is structured is the quality of the Teaching and Learning programme offered, not whether classes are straight or composite.

Gender Balance:

We try to ensure a balance of boys and girls in each class, although this is not always possible.

Numbers in the Year Level:

This can be a significant factor. We seek to have an equal number of students in each class. Classes are sized according to our staffing allocation, which is one class teacher for 26 students ( R-2 classes) and one class teacher for 30 students (year 3-7 classes). A full time  teacher of the Deaf and a full time BBSO, is allocated for every four  Deaf and Hard of Hearing students who are enrolled in our school. We do our best to group these students accordingly.

Social:

We consider separating students who have either come to rely too much on each other to the detriment of their learning, or who have a history of poor behaviour when together. Friendship groups are also taken into consideration, but can not always be guaranteed. Teacher and student input with this aspect is crucial. All students will be asked to indicate friendships, with a guarantee of at least one friend being in the same class for next year.

Teacher / Pupil Relationships

Teachers and students are individuals with their own teaching and learning styles and we recognize some combinations work better than others.

Parent Input:

As part of the process of establishing classes for the year 2021, parents may, if they wish, pass on any important information, which they believe should be considered in the placement of their child/children. Only do so if there is important information we should know i.e. most parents will not need to respond. Information should be provided in writing on the ‘PARENT INPUT CLASS PLACEMENT 2021′ sheet available from the front office. Please complete the information on this specific proforma only, as it will help make the placement task easier to manage and return it to your child’s class teacher or the front office as soon as possible- but by no later than Monday the 26^th of October-Monday of week 3 this term. When completing this information please be specific. Do not ask for a particular teacher, as this limits the process and it will not be taken into consideration. Parents can not assume that a request in writing will be followed, but we will strive to meet needs of students as best as we can. Please do not assure your child that your request will be necessarily granted, as this may not be possible. Please see Ian or Jan for further assistance if required or speak to your child’s teacher.

Parents should be aware that letters written 2 years ago are not considered for 2021. Write again, but only if necessary.

Whose Decision is it?

Responsibility for the ultimate decision regarding  placement of all students rests with the Principal who works  in collaboration with the leadership team. Class placement  decisions are only made after considerable input from all concerned.

Ian Filer

Principal