GORSE COVERT PRIMARY SCHOOL
Gorse Covert Road, Birchwood,
Warrington, WA3 6TS
Tel: 01925 825070, Fax: 01925 838879
Headteacher: Mrs. C Cooke
Mixed Aged Classes
Dear Parents
I would like to take this opportunity to inform you of the reasons for mixed aged classes here
at Gorse Covert and the criteria we consider when organising children into new classes.
The Local Authority limits our intake to 45 children and there is a legal requirement to
ensure infant class sizes are no more than 30. Due to our intake of 45 we have to have some
mixed age classes as we only receive funding for 1 teacher per 30 children. We are extremely
fortunate here at Gorse Covert to be able to fund an additional teacher in Reception class,
Year 5 and Year 6 to minimise the number of mixed age classes. Unfortunately it is not
possible to sustain this funding commitment throughout the school which means we have
mixed age classes in Y1/2 and in Y3/4.
Ability
To a certain extent, the academic ability of children is taken into account. However, it does
not follow that the most able or least able of any particular class goes into the mixed age
class. There are several other factors that are taken into account, which have a huge bearing
on the overall mix. These are outlined below.
Friendship Groups
Fundamentally, we want children to be happy in school. If they are not happy, then
regardless of ability, they are less likely to do as well in school. Towards the end of the
academic year, teachers ask all children to list friends they enjoy working with. These
friendship groups are always taken into account. Whilst we may not be able to put a child
with all their closest friends, we aim to keep them with at least one or two of their main
friends. If there are two children who are particularly close friends, we would never separate
them based purely on ability.
Confidence
Particularly in the Y1/2 mixed class, confidence is a huge factor in making that decision. We
understand that our youngest children may at first feel a little overwhelmed by being in a
class with older children. Children who we feel will best cope in this situation are often put in
the mixed class, regardless of ability.
Gender mix
We aim to have an equal balance of boys and girls in any one class.
Ensuring continuity and best support
The teachers in mixed age classes plan activities with the teachers in other year groups to
ensure all children have the same access to the curriculum, and where possible school trips
are taken together as a whole department or year group. Classes in the same department
also regularly get together for activities. Playtimes are taken at the same time to allow
friends in other classes to play together.
I would like to reassure you that the teachers in mixed age classes, as with any other class,
are very skilled in ensuring your child’s needs are met, regardless of what year group they
are in. Teachers do not follow one year group’s curriculum, and will always aim to stretch
high attaining pupils and support those who require extra help. Due to the increased spread
of needs in a mixed age class, there is a Teaching Assistant in those classes to aid the
teaching and provide support for children where necessary.
Having taught in a mixed age class myself, I can promise you that after some initial anxiety
for some, it has proved to be a positive experience. In fact, by the end of the year, they have
a whole set of new friends!
I’m sure you can appreciate that a lot of thought goes into making these decisions. We pride
ourselves on knowing your child very well and aim to make the best possible decision
regarding which class would be most beneficial to them. Going into any new class creates a
mixture of excitement and anxiety, but within a few weeks, children settle extremely well.
I hope this information has been both useful and reassuring. If you have any further
questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Yours sincerely
C Cooke
Headteacher