The multi-age classroom Good Shepherd Lutheran School adopts both single and multi-age classes. Our classroom structures support our understanding of how and where students learn best.
Teachers concentrate and celebrate what children can do, rather than what they can’t do. This reduces fear of failure and builds confidence.
Competition is minimised within the classroom. Acknowledging difference reduces the desire to make comparisons with other children and as a result, children are always ready to ‘have a go’.
Children are allowed to make choices and express themselves in many ways. Creative activities are common.
Children’s ideas are welcomed and can be tried out. This builds self-esteem and promotes learning.
Freedom of choice and exploration of many ideas, makes learning an exciting and real part of children’s lives.
From year one, children enter a class where there are older children, so settling in is much easier. Older children are often delighted to help younger ones, and this helps them to feel worthwhile and important.
Children mix freely and are encouraged to work and play together. They learn the joys of cooperation, which leads to good citizenship.