A multi-level class: an additional learning opportunity

At the beginning of the school year, parents were able to discover one of the characteristics of école M : the multi-level classes where our pupils from 2 to 5 years of age are brought together and receive personalised teaching.

Multi-age classes promote pedagogical differentiation. This means adapting the teaching to the needs of the pupil. Also, the interactions between the older and younger children consolidate learning. If some parents were initially worried about this pedagogical choice, the results and satisfaction are there.

Here are several points that explain how heterogeneity of levels in the classroom is an additional learning opportunity.

1. Heterogeneity favours pedagogical differentiation

Differentiated teaching allows teaching to be adapted to the pupil. The teachers and educational assistants closely follow the children in their learning. For example:

• Le matin entre 8h30 et 9h lors des activités libres : certains enfants jouent de manière autonome, à construire des mots à l’aide d’images par exemple. D’autres sont aidés par un adulte à différencier les lettres et les sons leur correspondant.
• L’après-midi entre 13h45 et 15h40 : après la sieste sont prévus des activités autonomes ou en binôme. Une fois de plus, les adultes peuvent personnaliser leur accompagnement envers des élèves pour leur apprendre à colorier ou encore à découper avec des ciseaux.

2. The presence of three adults per class allows for personalised support

Having 3 adults per class for about 20 pupils offers a real possibility to accompany all pupils in their heterogeneity. Personalized support concerns students of all levels. Taking into account the specificities and needs of each pupil, it is built around their needs and progress.

With an English teacher, a French teacher and a teaching assistant in each class for approximately 25 students, the students benefit from a high level of quality supervision.

3. Optimised working time

Passive listening is not optimal for children. They need to be active for better learning. The heterogeneity of levels makes it possible to place certain pupils in autonomy. These pupils work and retain more, so their "working time" is optimised.

Also, the heterogeneity of levels in the class allows a real continuity of learning.

• In addition to their age, there were differences in the levels of the students at the beginning of the school year.
• In all cases, there is a real continuity of learning. Pupils, more often placed in autonomy, finally work more.

4. Des résultats très positifs

En termes d’autonomie, de participation dans la classe, la classe multi-âges apporte une vraie plus-value. L’élève comprend mieux le sens de l’école, devient plus autonome, apprend à se prendre en charge. Du point de vue des compétences sociales, c’est indéniable, les élèves sont mieux préparés. Et c’est déterminant pour le collège, car ils y sont moins encadrés. La FCPE répond ici à quelques interrogations que vous pouvez avoir en tant que parents).

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