The Classroom

Currambena has always been different from other schools. When it began, in 1969, Currrambena was one of the alternative schools in Sydney, founded by parents and academics who wanted something very different from what was on offer in other school systems.

 Our Articles of Association, our foundation document, stipulates that the school shall:

·        -respect the individuality of the child

·        -foster self-determination in the child

·        -develop the child’s creative and critical abilities

·        -stress cooperation rather than competition

… and maintain high academic standards consistent with these other aims.

 In practice, this means, meeting the needs of individual students in a range of ways:

·        -by providing small classes where they can build close relationships with teachers and peers,

·        -being flexible so that children can learn effectively at their own pace,

·        -employing teachers who can guide progress and ensure opportunities for learning are varied and challenging and

·        -by using observations and other authentic processes for assessment rather than standardised comparative testing.

 Currambena has always had mixed age classes. Preschool takes children aged 3 to 5 years and classes are also mixed in age across the primary school years. There are 5 primary school teachers and, of course, 7 years of primary schooling. This means that children will twice spend two years with a single teacher, or sometimes 3 years if that is what is best for the child and possible with class numbers.

 These days, most moves between groups occur at the end of the school year. The teachers consider a number of factors when making the decision about class structure including social/emotional needs, age, dynamics of the group, academics, friendship patterns and, most importantly, where is the best place for each individual child.

 Working with children across an age range is a lovely concept that offers opportunities for creative teaching and dynamic learning. It broadens children's social groups and strengthens their ability to socialise in wider contexts. Children who stay with a teacher have the advantage of a teacher who knows them well and can start the new year at full pace. They are by no means being ‘held back’. And, of course, Currambena teachers will always work towards meeting each child’s needs in whatever group they are learning.

 The school aims to have all its class groups mixed in age, with ‘Elders’ guiding and assisting younger children in each group. This is a philosophical choice, facilitating broader learning and socialising, as well as a necessity in a small school. Recently, however, as a result of demographic influences and high overall school numbers, some class groups have been more homogenous than others. Some groups may have a three year age spread while another may have much less.

 During the course of the year, teachers closely observe each child. Much consideration is given to the decision about class groupings for the next year. The individual needs of each child as well as what is possible and preferable for class groups and for the school as a whole are all part of the discussions.

 At Currambena, children are not locked into an annual move to a new group and new teacher. The flexibility of our process means that there is often a range of possibilities, which will maximise student learning and facilitate successful group dynamics. Discussion with parents is always a part of this process so please always raise any concerns with your child’s teacher as soon as they arise.