TISOL Logo            TISOL - The International School of Lae
                                                    Owned and operated by the International Education Agency
                                                                                  of Papua New Guinea
                                             
email:  mail(at)tisol.iea.ac.pg

Learning and Teaching at TISOL

Class Organisation



Class Organisation and Structure

Classes are organised so as to best accommodate the current student enrolment. This may include multi-grade classes. Multi Grade Classes are a common method of school organisation around the world and can be found in most countries in public and private education systems.

As the IEA Curriculum is not a Grade Content system, student learning is based upon the individual needs of students and not around goals for specific ages, school years or grades. Multi grade classes fit very neatly with the IEA Curriculum and benefit student learning as teaching can be tailored to meet the learning needs of the whole class, groups and individuals as the subject and prior student knowledge indicates.

The diagram indicates how learning levels spread across Grades within the IEA Curriculum.

 

 

 

 

Source: IEA Curriculum Core Document - available to view at IEA Website

 

 

 

 

 

One full-time teacher is allocated to each class.  In addition classes will have Classroom Assistants who assist teachers in preparation and may teach small groups of students.

 

Each class is under the supervision of a teacher who is responsible for the pastoral care of the pupils in the class. Class numbers are kept at an optimum level to be economically viable, whilst providing maximum opportunity for individual attention. Classroom assistants work with teachers to provide clerical and other assistance in the management of the class.

 

Parent volunteers are welcomed and can be used in a variety of capacities around the school, i.e., swimming, cooking, reading, etc.

 

It may be necessary to arrange some grades within composite classes due to the number of students in those specific ages and grades.

 

Students may be grouped within the class for specific subjects or activities. Groups can be formed in one of many ways, these are some examples:

 

Learning Level Groups For core curriculum areas e.g. Maths, English or Reading
Social Groups Social Studies, Art, Sports, etc.
Interest GroupsProject and theme work.
Whole Class Group PE, Music, Drama, Swimming, Assemblies, Excursions, Library.
Support Groups   As appropriate for specific need.
House Groups For co-operative work and on sporting activities.

 

Within these structures there is flexibility to cater for the various ability levels and differing rates of development of each individual student.

 

Organisation of groups within units may vary according to teaching strategies preferred and specific topics planned by individual teachers.

 

Other forms of class or teaching arrangements may be used from time to time, these include:

 

CLASS EXCHANGES are encouraged to fully utilize resources and expertise, both staff and student.

 

CROSS-AGE TUTORING is encouraged within the school, as appropriate.

 

PEER-GROUP TUITION is also encouraged, as is the development of confidence and self-esteem coupled with a sense of responsibility to the school community.