Multi aging and composite classes

Heathdale is offering a 2/3 composite class next year.

The official reason is that it wants to accommodate all the students on its waiting list. However, there aren't enough to form an extra Grade 3 class.

Something like that.

We heard on the grapevine that only new students would be in the composite class.

But yesterday, we received a letter informing us that Beth has been nominated to be part of the composite class.

Apparently, those who are independent learners, can think laterally and have a good work ethic will benefit most from a composite class.

If that's the criteria for nominating Beth, then I suppose it's a good thing.

In any case, we had already been thinking of transferring to Good News Lutheran, which also practises multi aging in the classroom. Except theirs is a permanent arrangement: Prep, 1/2, 3/4, 5/6.

Have read up a bit on multi aging on the Net and it's mostly a benefit to the child.

However, gifted or talented students may find themselves held back if the teacher does not adequately cater to their needs.

And an older child (eg a Grade 3 in a 2/3 class) may feel left out of peer development.