Our Small Classes and Mixed-Age Curriculum

At Hutchinson Memorial CE First School, our small class sizes are something we value greatly. They allow us to get to know every child well: their strengths, their interests and the support they need to grow. Because of this, some classes include children from more than one year group, and we see this as a real advantage.

To ensure every child learns well in mixed-age classes, we have carefully designed our curriculum so that it is clear, well-organised and easy for children to follow. This means:

  • We plan learning in a way that builds step by step, so children revisit important ideas and deepen their understanding over time.
  • Our subjects are taught in two-year cycles, so every child covers all essential learning without repeating lessons or missing anything.
  • We are clear about the skills and knowledge we want pupils to develop as they move through the school.
  • Teachers plan activities that support younger children and challenge older pupils, all within the same classroom.

This approach allows us to make the most of our small, family-like school setting. It ensures every child feels known, supported and stretched, and that learning is enjoyable, purposeful and well matched to their stage of development.

Our Curriculum Pedagogy

Our mixed-age classes (Years 1/2 and Years 3/4) allow children to learn collaboratively, revisit key knowledge, and progress confidently. All subjects are taught through two-year cycles to ensure full coverage and clear progression without unnecessary repetition.

Below is how learning is approached in each subject.

English (Reading, Writing and Phonics)

Reading

Children develop decoding, fluency and comprehension through high-quality texts, guided reading and structured language work, while also developing a genuine love of reading. Mixed-age classes allow for shared enjoyment of literature, and teaching groups ensure all children work at the right level.

Writing

Writing is taught through a consistent cycle of modelled examples, guided practice and independent application. Grammar and vocabulary are revisited frequently, and teachers plan tasks that stretch older pupils while supporting younger writers through scaffolding and shared models.

Phonics – Little Wandle Letters and Sounds

We teach early reading through Little Wandle Letters and Sounds, a systematic synthetic phonics programme used nationally. Children take part in daily phonics lessons that follow a clear, cumulative sequence. This helps them build strong decoding skills and develop reading confidence.

  • Children are grouped by phonics stage, ensuring teaching matches their needs
  • Fully decodable Little Wandle books are used to practise sounds and build fluency
  • “Keep-up” sessions provide targeted support for any child who needs extra practice

Little Wandle Links for Parents

  • Parent Information:
    https://www.littlewandlelettersandsounds.org.uk/resources/for-parents/
  • How We Teach Phonics (videos):
    https://www.littlewandlelettersandsounds.org.uk/resources/for-parents/how-we-teach/
  • Pronunciation Guides:
    https://www.littlewandlelettersandsounds.org.uk/resources/for-parents/#pronunciation
  • Reading Together at Home:
    https://www.littlewandlelettersandsounds.org.uk/resources/for-parents/#reading-together

Mathematics

Our maths curriculum follows a mastery approach and is underpinned by the White Rose Maths scheme. Key concepts are introduced in small, manageable steps with concrete and visual support. Mixed-age classes learn the same broad concept, but teachers adapt the level of challenge through guided groups, questioning and reasoning tasks. Regular retrieval practice reinforces number facts and strategies, ensuring learning sticks.

White Rose Maths – Parent Information

Parents can find helpful guidance, videos and resources here:
https://whiteroseeducation.com/parent-resources

Science

Science knowledge builds progressively across Biology, Physics and Chemistry. Mixed-age teaching allows children to revisit important ideas while also building new understanding at the right level. Prior knowledge is regularly retrieved to strengthen memory and confidence.

History

History is taught in a way that helps children understand the passing of time, develop curiosity and build a sense of chronology. Mixed-age teaching supports rich discussion, comparison and enquiry.

Geography

Children develop an understanding of both the UK and the wider world, building map skills, place knowledge and geographical vocabulary. Repetition and retrieval help secure key ideas while mixed-age conversations strengthen understanding.

Art and Design Technology

Art and DT develop creativity, imagination and problem-solving. Skills are revisited and deepened over time, with mixed-age classes allowing older children to model techniques and younger children to learn through shared exploration. Many skills are transferable and can be taught flexibly without disrupting progression.

Computing

Computing is taught through three strands:

  • Digital Literacy
  • Information Technology
  • Computer Science

Teaching is structured so that knowledge builds securely, with opportunities for pupils to apply skills in meaningful digital tasks.

Music

Music involves singing, performing, composing and listening. Mixed-age classes provide natural opportunities for ensemble work, and learning is planned so key musical ideas are revisited and built upon. Teaching is adapted to ensure all children learn at the right pace.

Modern Foreign Languages (French)

French is taught through stories, songs, speaking and listening activities. Revisiting vocabulary and sentence structures helps children develop confidence and enjoyment in language learning.

Physical Education

PE develops fundamental physical skills, teamwork and confidence. Mixed-age classes allow children to learn collaboratively, model good practice and support one another. Activities are adapted to challenge all learners.

PSHE / RSE

PSHE is taught weekly and supports children’s wellbeing, emotional development and understanding of relationships. Mixed-age discussions help children share perspectives and develop respectful communication.

Religious Education (RE)

Children explore different religions and worldviews, developing curiosity, respect and understanding. Mixed-age learning allows meaningful dialogue and shared reflection.

Why Our Approach Works

  • Learning builds progressively and is regularly revisited
  • Mixed-age classes support collaboration, leadership and peer modelling
  • Teaching is adapted to meet the needs of every child
  • No child misses content or repeats learning unnecessarily
  • Our small, nurturing environment ensures every child is supported and challenged