Scoil Iósaif Naofa
Policy on Reconstituted Classes
1. Rationale
From time to time in the school, classes which have been split during their time in Scoil
Iósaif Naofa may come together as two single classes. The Principal and staff of Scoil Iósaif
Naofa school have worked out a system of reconstituting classes should this occur and we
will be seeking the approval of the Board of Management in order to put this into practice.
The parent body, as partners in education, will be consulted in planning and formulating the
policy.
2. Aims and Objectives of this policy
The following are the main aims and objectives of the policy:
• To provide a framework for the reconstitution of classes
• To outline the criteria on which children are selected to be placed in
reconstituted classes
• All Teachers in conjunction with the Principal have a responsibility in putting this
policy into practice.
3. Criteria for placing children in particular class groups
• It is considered best to form mixed-ability groups.
• The dynamics of the class must be considered. Emotional, behavioural and
social factors which could upset the dynamic of the class should be taken into
consideration when forming new groupings
• The learning needs of every child will be assessed
• 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.
• The Principal in consultation with the current class teacher will try to ensure that
some of that child’s friends are also placed in the same class where possible.
• It would be the intention that once a new class is formed; every effort would be
made to keep that class together going forward.
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Scoil Iósaif Naofa
• If it is considered that the needs of a certain group of children can best be met
by placing them in a different class.
4. Benefits that would flow from the reconstitution of classes

Children will get the opportunity over the remaining year to meet and get to know all
the children in their own year. It is very important for the social development of each
child and links into the SPHE programme

In the senior cycle, students are given the best possible preparation for secondary
school by being in a single class units

It will be a good preparation for secondary school, as it would help the children to
get used to change within a safe environment, and with the support of friends.

When they move on to secondary school, students will have a better chance of being
in the same class as children they knew well and from whom they could get support
and, with whom they would find it easy to form friendships.
5. Method for Reconstituting Classes
a) At the start of the third-term, each teacher in the classes being reconstituted
presents information from the standardised test results, Drumcondra Maths and English
and Irish Tests
b) A good balance of abilities according to Drumcondra Standardised Tests will be
sought for both classes
c) Children with behavioural/emotional problems will be in different groups where
possible, but always with some friends.
d) Class lists are finalised at the end of this process. Children and teachers know their
new classes by the end of the school year before they go on holidays
e) Parents know that this process is carried out with great care and professionalism,
and that the interests of every child carefully considered. Children adapt to it very
easily, have become very open and flexible socially and we anticipate only positive
results.
6 .Evaluation
The system will be evaluated annually by the teachers and changed slightly if this is
seen to be necessary. It then becomes accepted by the entire school community. It
will be mentioned in the school information booklet so that parents are fully aware of
the system when they enrol their child in the school.
Review
Class reconstitution policy will be reviewed annually.
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