Cross-Stage Class
So you have a cross-stage class Amy, don't panic it does not mean twice the work! Yes students are ordered chronologically in schools but we all know that does not mean all students develop both personally and academically at the same rate. Most of the time cross-stage classes are designed based on the needs of the students, matching students of similar ability and maturity. The most important thing to remember is that you need to design lessons that address syllabus outcomes from both stage 2 and 3 as the students need to show an understanding of the outcomes associated with their stage.
Here are a few tips and resources to help you, with your cross-stage class:
Here are a few tips and resources to help you, with your cross-stage class:
Cross-stage units
There are many cross-stage Cogs units (Connected Outcomes Groups) available online designed by the DET/DEC which you can use for all KLA’s other than English and Mathematics. These units are great as you only have to teach the one lesson which caters for both stage 2 and 3.
Additionally there are cross-stage units for specific KLA’s such as HSIE. Here is the link to the website to access these units:
Resources
Books
There are also books you can read about how to teach a cross-stage class, this might be a great place to start just to get your head around the task in front of you.
There are also books you can read about how to teach a cross-stage class, this might be a great place to start just to get your head around the task in front of you.
Websites
There is also a wonderful website that another teacher has written about having a cross-stage class. This website is great as it gives you tips and strategies for dealing with a cross-stage class on a daily basis. It also allows you to see you're not alone Amy in your struggle to cater for a cross-stage class.
http://www.englishclub.com/teaching-tips/teaching-multi-level-classes.htm
Another handy website is from the DET, which provides you with more information about cross-stage classes.
http://www.schools.nsw.edu.au/studentsupport/programs/classsize/multiage.php
There is also a wonderful website that another teacher has written about having a cross-stage class. This website is great as it gives you tips and strategies for dealing with a cross-stage class on a daily basis. It also allows you to see you're not alone Amy in your struggle to cater for a cross-stage class.
http://www.englishclub.com/teaching-tips/teaching-multi-level-classes.htm
Another handy website is from the DET, which provides you with more information about cross-stage classes.
http://www.schools.nsw.edu.au/studentsupport/programs/classsize/multiage.php
The DET has also produced a booklet about multi age classes.
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Differentiation
Cross-stage class means a large amount of differentiation but what class doesn’t? You follow the same principles of differentiation for a cross-stage class as you would for any other form of differentiation. With the main aim to modify curriculum, teaching methods and learning activities to cater for the needs all students in the class (Tomlinson, Brighton, Hertberg, Callahan, Moon, Brimijoin, Conover & Reynolds, 2003).
Click on the button below to a list of suggestions on how you can differentiate your classroom:
Click on the button below to a list of suggestions on how you can differentiate your classroom: