Teachers at Birkenhead Primary School are highly competent and skilled at responding to the needs of each child. Although a child might be chronologically older or younger—their maturity, social needs, academic and behavioural needs are all individual. Regardless of the type of classroom a child is in, teachers will group and teach children according to their specific learning needs. There is no difference in the range of abilities present in a traditional ‘straight’ year group classroom compared to that of a composite. The practice seen in a traditional classroom will be the same in a composite classroom - the child will remain at the centre of the learning and teaching will extend and support them as required.  
 
However, research has shown that children in composite classrooms are often socially more developed than those in traditional classrooms. They tend to become more confident and are able to work alongside and cooperate with a wider range of children. They also develop relationships outside of their ‘standard age-groups’ and can relate and communicate with a wider range of peers. This approach also allows for peer modelling, where those more socially able students ‘set the tone’ within the classroom. Irrespective of age, all children can be role models.
 
We know relationships are incredibly important for effective teaching and learning to happen and teachers will continue to work hard to establish relationships with each child and their whanau to ensure learners reach their full potential.  ​