Multi-age class structure at Syndal South
The Victorian Essential Learning Standards (VELS) has four levels for primary schools. Syndal South is able to support this structure through multi-age classes.
- Level 1 - Prep
- Level 2 - Grade 1 and 2
- Level 3 - Grade 3 and 4
- Level 4 - Grade 5 and 6
The multi-age classroom is composed of children of different ages intentionally grouped for learning. The multi-age classroom recognises that all children develop and learn at different rates and supports the view that learning is a continuous process, and that we learn from and with other people.
What are the advantages of the multi-age classroom?
- The multi-age classroom is the perfect vehicle for developmental learning which recognises that all children develop at different rates, and focuses on teachers meeting the individual needs of the learner.
- The multi-age classroom seeks to challenge a child's interest and understanding , while at the same time matches skills to the child's developing abilities.
- It allows for the individual growth of each child. They are free to find their own levels in social, intellectual and physical areas.
- It provides an opportunity for a wider range of relationships and social experiences.
- A more natural learning situation is established. Children work at their own pace with their program not geared to the work of a single year but adjusted over two or more years.
- Older children are encouraged to develop responsibility and independence. Children are able to care for each other and are able to learn from each other both in behaviour and 'work'. Children can provide a variety of models for each other.
- There is a sense of community within the classroom which helps build a child's self-confidence and feelings of security.
- In a multi-age classroom, children will be working with content and processes from a range of academic levels. Open ended experiences and inquiry based units of work allow for different levels of achievement.
- Benefits come to the older children from the quality of leadership and responsibility they develop.
