At The Sydney Russell School students are grouped according to ability from Year 7. A member of SLT puts students into classes appropriate to their ability, using the KS2 results and other relevant data. There are three bands of ability with several classes in each band. Students have all their lessons in their band; subject leaders decide how students will be grouped within the band. In some subjects students are taught in tutor groups, in others ability sets. Students’ progress is monitored continuously and they are promoted or demoted to ensure that they are always in the most appropriate class.
Fast Track
This is for the most academic students. Approximately 70% of any cohort will be in the Fast Track. Within the Fast Track there are at least two classes for High Achievers, the most academic students of all.
Upper Band
This is for students of average ability. Approximately 20% of any cohort will be in the Upper Band.
Middle Band
This is for students in need of support in various ways. In general, Middle Band classes are smaller than Upper and Fast Track classes. Most will be supported by a Teaching Assistant. Some students will have Additional Needs, others will have English as a second language.
