Mixed age classes
Knowhow intends that all pupils, wherever possible, learn the same core substantive knowledge. Age and prior learning, however, will influence the connections they can make, the depth at which they can think and the fluency with which they use geographical or historical skills. All of our units of work are therefore adapted to ensure all pupils can access an ambitious curriculum. In your mixed-age class, all pupils will focus on the same substance, but disciplinary and procedural knowledge is adapted for pupils at different stages.
All of our Key Stage 2 resources are matched to different stages. In Geography for example, choose between day trippers, backpackers and explorers.
Day trippers
Pupils in this group are likely to be youngest pupils in Key Stage 2 (Year 3/4) or those for who need more support to develop procedural knowledge. These pupils will have experienced only the Key Stage 1 and potentially Year 1 curriculum and will therefore have less Geographical knowledge with which to connect.
Backpackers
Pupils in this group are likely to be mid Key Stage 2 (Year 4/5). They will still be learning how to make connections to the substance they have learned previously. They will still be developing fluency using Geographical skills and concepts so need to practice.
Explorers
Pupils in this group are likely to be upper Key Stage 2 (Year 5/6). They should be making more connections with what they have learned previously. Some procedural skills and concepts should now be used independently. They will be developing a wider repertoire of geographical skills and conceptual understanding that will prepare them for Key Stage 3.