Purpose of These Guidelines
At Rangiora Borough School, classroom placement is a meticulous process that involves dedicated time and consideration by our staff. The placement decisions are made by the student's current teachers and the learning team.  The lists are then shared with the next team, and if appropriate changes are then made if required. For new enrolments, placements are based on available information from previous schools, parents, and the need to ensure balanced class compositions. Should a student enrol after classes are established, the responsibility for their placement lies with the Principal.

Criteria for Student Placement
When assigning children to classrooms, we prioritise the individual child while acknowledging their place within a broader context. Our goal is to establish thriving classroom environments that allow teachers to address the whole child; academic, social, and emotional needs. We achieve this by carefully considering various factors, including but not limited to:

• Gender ratios

• Academic performance and learning abilities

• Additional needs or talents

• Social and emotional requirements

• Physical and social maturity

• Behavioural aspects

• Levels of academic progress and individual needs

• Degree of self-direction and independence

• English as a second language or non-English-speaking background

• Information provided by parents and support personnel

• Previous class placements

• Class size in accordance with staffing entitlement from the Ministry of Education

Other Pertinent Information
Requests for specific teachers are discouraged, as they may hinder the creation of well-balanced and productive class groups based on the outlined criteria. The final class lists are determined collaboratively by the staff, with teachers being allocated to classes. 

However, the ultimate decision regarding student and teacher placement rests with the Leadership and Senior Management Team including our SENCO (Special Education Needs Coordinator) and LSC (Learning Support Coordinator).

Transition Processes
All students participate in the annual transition session held during the last two weeks of school. The aim of this is to support tamariki with change; seeing their new space, meeting their kaiako | teacher and their new classmates.

Ako Ngā Tahi and a Team meeting take place in the first week of school the following year and are designed so each individual child and their whānau (families) have the opportunity to see the new space and meet the new kaiako together, which ensures this essential relationship has a chance to grow and thrive.

At Rangiora Borough School, we value creating inclusive and supportive classroom environments that cater to each student's holistic development and learning needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Should I request a particular teacher for my child?
  We kindly request that parents refrain from requesting specific teachers for their children. Constructing a classroom involves multiple considerations beyond individual requests, and accommodating such preferences can disrupt the balanced learning environment we aim to create.
  

• Can I request that my child be placed with their best friend?
  While we appreciate social connections, requests for specific placements based on friendships are not considered. Placements are made considering various factors to encourage diverse social interactions among students.
  
  

• If my child is having difficulty with another student, can I request their separation?
  Should your child face challenges with a classmate, please inform the teacher and Principal for necessary problem-solving. While part of the learning experience is to navigate diverse social interactions, our placement process aims to minimise nonconstructive relationships.
  
  

• How can I support my child if they are upset about their placement?
  If your child expresses disappointment about their placement, it's essential to respond positively and encourage confidence in their ability to adapt. Parental attitudes significantly influence a child's perception, and fostering enthusiasm can contribute to a successful beginning of the school year.
  
  

• Is it possible to change my child's class after placements are finalised?
  Changes to class placements are rare and only considered in exceptional circumstances, provided there's relevant information not previously available. Requests for changes must be submitted in writing to the Principal, who holds ultimate responsibility for class placement.