Which is better for Senior School pupils, sets or mixed ability classes" We asked two teachers to battle it out in The Big Debate!
SETS: Tim Collins, Director of Admissions, Repton School, Derbyshire
When weighing up the ?sets vs. mixed ability? debate, it is crucial to consider how it is experienced by those involved in it, rather than making an argument purely based on statistics.
Some might think the most important participant is the pupil, while others would argue it is the teacher, as they are the person who leads the class and makes the learning successful. However, it is in fact both parties who are affected and, in my opinion, benefit from instilling a system of sets within a school.
First and foremost, the pupil will be in classes where the other children are of a similar aptitude in that particular subject, so any questions asked will be closer to that pupil?s own train-of-thought. They are also likely to be asking for clarity over similar issues, and are more likely to stimulate further questions that help develop a more detailed understanding. Not to mention ? children love a challenge and enjoy a sense of achievement, so being pushed by their peers is often a more positive experience than being pushed by adults, particularly your own parents!
Teamwork makes the dream work
If a child is in a class where other pupils are not as bright as them, the lesson can plod along at a very slow pace and they will inevitably lose interest.
Above, Tim Collins believes...