Deputy Principal

Multi-Age Classrooms at St Michael's

We often have questions about how the students are grouped in multi-age classes here at St Michael's.

Straight-age grades originated in the 1850’s in America and were then adopted by many countries around the world. This factory model for schooling was intended to prepare workers for the industrial society of the time. 

We have come a long way since then!

Multi-Age classrooms are sometimes confused with "Composite" classrooms.

Composite classes - teaching two year levels differently

Multi age Classes - tailoring learning to needs

Here are some reasons we choose multi-age at St Michael's:

• Children commence Prep between 4.5-6 years old, so already there is a variation of ages.
• Multi-age philosophy places each learner at the centre of the considerations of curriculum and classroom practice. Children are able to progress at their own rate without regard for restrictive ‘grade’ expectations.
• Students learn at their own pace and should not have their learning restricted to a confined grade or period of twelve months.
• Growth is determined in stages, not ages and depends on aspects such as:
  • Position in the family
  • Experiences in family / life
  • Family Culture / expectations

Based on research of multi-age classrooms, students:

• become more confident, 
• can operate better as part of a group, 
• are more assertive, 
• become more independent learners
• become better problem-solvers. 
• make friends outside of their standard age-groups, and develop tolerance & diversity

Multi-age grouping reflects the social environment of life beyond school and the workforce, which is made up of all different age groups and life experiences.

Please feel free to speak to Annie or myself if you would like to have a conversation about multi-age classrooms.

Specialist Lessons Term 2

There have been some slight changes from term one to the specialist timetable. Please find the new version here:

Have a lovely week!

Eloise