Our three Year 3/4 classes are mixed-age classes, where children from both year groups learn together in the same classroom. This approach offers many benefits for your child's learning and development.
What does a mixed-age class mean?
In our Year 3/4 classes, children work alongside peers from both year groups. Whilst they share the same classroom and teacher, each child receives teaching tailored to their individual needs and the expectations for their specific year group.
How does it work?
Our Year 3/4 class follows a carefully designed two-year rolling curriculum - Curriculum A and Curriculum B. This means that over two years, all children will cover the full range of National Curriculum requirements for lower Key Stage 2, regardless of which year group they are in.
Tailored learning: Children are taught according to the National Curriculum requirements for their year group (either Year 3 or Year 4)
Rolling curriculum: By alternating between Curriculum A and B each year, we ensure that all children access the complete lower KS2 curriculum without repetition or gaps
Flexible grouping: We use a variety of grouping strategies - sometimes children work with others from their own year group, sometimes in mixed-year groups, and sometimes with peers at similar learning levels regardless of age
Shared learning experiences: Many topics, projects and activities are taught to the whole class together, with differentiated tasks and support to meet each child's needs
Peer learning: Younger children benefit from working alongside older role models, whilst older children develop leadership skills and deepen their understanding by supporting others
The benefits
Mixed-age classes can:
- Foster a strong sense of community and collaboration
- Encourage children to develop independence and resilience
- Allow children to work at their own pace without being limited by their age
- Build confidence through peer support and mentoring opportunities
- Create a nurturing environment where every child is valued for their individual strengths
Your child will continue to be assessed against the expectations for their specific year group, including any statutory assessments such as the Year 4 Multiplication Tables Check.
