Composite Classes
What is a Composite Class?
Primary schools have pupils at seven year stages, Primary 1 to
Primary 7. A 'year' or 'stage' is defined as a group of
children entering Primary education at a common date.
A
composite class [pdf 155KB] is one where children of two or
more year stages are grouped together to form a
class. Perth & Kinross Council has a range of
schools where composite classes are a regular feature.
Why are Composite Classes Formed?
Schools are staffed to agreed standards based on the total
number of pupils within the school, regardless of the number of
children in each year stage. Head teachers organise
their classes to make best use of available staff, resources and
space. Both educational and organisational factors are
therefore taken into consideration when forming a composite
class.
How are Composite Classes Formed?
The Headteacher will structure classes based on advice given by
the education authority. In Perth and Kinross composite
classes are usually formed on the basis of age.
This means, for example, that when forming a P2/3 class and a
single stage P3 class the Headteacher would allocate a group of the
oldest P2 children to the composite P2/3 class. Likewise, in
forming a single stage P4 class and a composite P3/4 class the
youngest group of P4 children would be placed in the composite
class.
How can a Teacher Teach Two or More Stages at Once?
Whether your child is in a single stage class or a composite
class, you can be confident that the staff in your school are
skilled at providing appropriate teaching and learning
opportunities for all children. Your child will be working
within a programme of nationally agreed guidelines and the
activities will be appropriate for his/her age, ability and
aptitude.
Further information and frequently asked questions about composite
classes are also available in the booklet
'Your Child in a Composite Class' [pdf 155KB].
