S/EC/16. Identify and discuss the implications for your practice of the setting and ability grouping of pupils in mathematics

Two methods which can be used in order to achieve this differentiation are setting and ability grouping. Setting involves clustering children across a year group and therefore a minimum two-phase entry is a prerequisite. Ability grouping takes place within the classroom where the children are split into groups according to their level of achievement and are given tasks matched to that identified ability. This essay discusses the strengths and weaknesses of these two methods to differentiate in numeracy.