A SERIES of new teaching methods are to be rolled out at a Derbyshire school - in a bid to improve education for pupils. Hilton Primary School said it had reviewed the way English and maths were being taught and decided no classes will be set by ability level.
Instead, staff at the Peacroft Court school said there would be a greater focus on mixed ability lessons.
Head teacher Kevan Lomas said: "Over the past couple of years, the school has moved away from teaching English and mathematics in sets.
"This gradual transition has been made in response to a growing body of evidence that the grouping of pupils by ability and the associated organisational challenges were not contributing to good levels of achievement for all pupils.
"From September there will be no setting in school.
"Our decision to move away from this form of organisation has been made after a thorough review."
The findings revealed:
The practicalities associated with teaching children in sets also impacts on the amount of time children spend learning;
Children need to use and apply their learning in English and mathematics in their topic work. If their class teacher delivers both lessons then they are better placed to make the connections and help children to secure or deepen their understanding; and
Class teachers must take an increased responsibility for the learning gains for each and every child in their class.
The move comes after the school also put in place a series of measures to help pupils keep fit.
