Rationale:
- A clearly defined, collaborative process for the placement of children into
classes will lead to greater efficiency, increased understanding and improved
opportunities for learning.
Aims:
- To provide each child with the opportunity to be part of a class of children
that will allow them the best opportunity to learn.
- To form well balanced classes of children that take into account the social,
emotional, academic and physical characteristics of each child.
- To ensure that optimum use is made of the prior knowledge that teachers,
parents and others have of each child prior to class placement.
Implementation
- While the allocation of children to various classes, class structures and
class compositions are all ultimately responsibilities of the Principal, a
collaborative process which includes the class teachers, specialist teachers
and level co-ordinators
- The process of forming classes will take place in Term 4.
- The Principal, in consultation with staff and after considering student
numbers, will determine the number of classes for the following year, class
sizes and the grade levels of each class.
- Expressions of interest will be sought from staff members regarding teaching
preferences.
- Staff members will work collaboratively to create draft classes of students.
- Consideration will be given to gender, the previous class, each child's
ability, behaviour, friendship groups and teacher characteristics. Individual
needs and a whole school perspective must be considered.
- Junior classes will be restricted to 21 children whenever possible.
- Preferred class compositions are single year levels.
- The principal will provide an opportunity for parents to forward information
relevant to their child's placement. All parent input must be directed to
the Principal and placed in writing. If appropriate, the Principal will inform
staff of parent input prior to the formation of classes.
- Once draft classes are completed, the Principal will make any necessary
final alterations.
- Under exceptional circumstances the Principal may reorganise classes throughout
the year.
- Staff members will not disclose the composition of proposed classes prior
to any formal announcements.
- Children who enrol at the school during the year will be temporarily allocated
to classes, with the possible need to alter the placement once further information
regarding the child is known.
- Details relating to the school organisation, classes of children, and the
roles of teachers will be released to parents during the final week of Term
4.
- Parental concerns regarding placement must be directed to the Principal.
Evaluation:
This policy will be reviewed as part of the school’s three-year
review cycle.
This policy was last ratified by School Council in.... October
2002