Structure of Classes & Setting Arrangements

Pupils are taught in mixed-ability classes up to Year 5. From Year 5, all lessons are taught by specialist teachers. During Year 5, the children are placed in ability sets for the majority of their academic subjects. It is our experience that from Year 5 onwards pupils benefit from being in a group in which their levels of ability, attainment and learning styles are closely matched.

Grouping pupils into sets facilitates tailored teaching which helps to maximise each individual’s progress as they enter the senior part of the school. A child’s sets are based on their performance relative to the other pupils in their year group. Children at St Faith’s have an average ability that exceeds national standards and pupils in all sets achieve highly. Sets are reviewed regularly using on-going teacher assessment in class and more formal tests. We monitor the sets closely and make changes when necessary.

All sets follow a common curriculum, the main difference being that of pace and depth to suit the relevant ability levels and learning styles.