Our Classes
We have four classes in our school, currently they are:
Acorn: Reception
Oak: Year 1 & Year 2
Ash: Year 3 & Year 4
Sycamore: Year 5 & Year 6
Click on the tabs to the right to find out more information about each class...
How do mixed age classes work?
At S.U.N Primary School, some classes contain children from two year groups. This is very common in small primary schools and can offer many benefits for children's learning and development.
Parents often wonder how a teacher can meet the needs of children of different ages in the same classroom. The answer is that lessons are carefully planned so that every child works at the right level for them. One of the biggest misconceptions is that older pupils simply repeat younger-year work. Good mixed-age teaching avoids this.
Teachers may sometimes teach the whole class together before providing work and support tailored to different year groups or ability levels. At other times, they may work with smaller groups to teach specific skills and knowledge. This means that every child is learning what they need to learn, how they need to learn it, regardless of their age.
Our curriculum is organised on a two-year programme so children in a Year 3/4 class for example, experiences Year A content one year and Year B content the next, ensuring they don't repeat the same topics.
The key point is that effective mixed-age teaching is driven by pupil need and curriculum intention, not simply by age. A well-planned mixed-age class should provide just as much challenge and progress for older pupils as a single-age class, while also offering some unique social and learning benefits.
How are older children, or children working at a greater depth, challenged?
Children are not limited by the year group they sit next to. Teachers at S.U.N know their pupils well and provide work that matches each child's stage of learning.
Older/more able pupils are challenged through:
- More advanced learning intentions.
- Opportunities to explain their thinking and reasoning.
- Problem-solving and investigative tasks.
- Greater independence and responsibility.
- Activities that deepen understanding for mastery, rather than simply giving more work.
Similarly, younger children or learners who need additional scaffolding or support, who are ready for additional challenge can be stretched and supported to achieve their potential.
What are the benefits of a mixed-age class?
Many parents find that mixed-age classes have particular advantages:
- Younger children learn from observing older pupils and gain confidence in their learning.
- Older children develop leadership skills and become positive role models.
- Children work alongside a wider range of peers, helping to build strong relationships and social skills.
- Teachers focus on each child's individual progress and learning needs.
Above all, our aim is to ensure that every child feels supported, challenged and successful. Mixed-age classes allow us to provide a nurturing environment where children can learn from one another while continuing to make excellent progress in their own learning journey.
