A recent report by University College London has investigated the possible problems caused by grouping students according to ability

This BBC article quotes that:

“Many teachers think children are aware of their group, and they are concerned about the detrimental impact of being labelled on children’s self-confidence and behaviour, and about the production of limits on children’s learning,” it says.

“There were concerns raised that this could have a potentially negative impact upon some children’s mental health.

“Teachers both in early years and KS1 feel that the pressure of assessment produces the need for grouping in some form.”

At Dame Catherine’s we believe every child has potential, and has something to learn and teach others in their class. We don’t group by ability, instead, children work to their own pace and abilities within our KS1 (4-7) and KS2 (7-11) classes.

We also don’t do SAT tests because we believe that learning is a journey and not something you can easily put a number on. Of course, this means our pupils do not have the stress of performing to a test so we have a happy and meaningful classroom experience which values creativity and curiosity.

To find out more, please contact us to arrange a visit, or get the prospectus.