1 week Ago By Sruthy Susan Ullas
Bengaluru: Every summer vacation, 10-year-old Reah wonders whether she will get the same set of friends next year, given it is a common practice among schools to shuffle sections to help kids network better and have a good mix of peers in each class. However, policies change and some think differently. From the 2025-26 academic year, Delhi Public School (DPS) North has decided to ensure students and class teachers remain together for two academic years.
This means there will be no section change for students. You Can Also Check: Bengaluru AQI | Weather in Bengaluru | Bank Holidays in Bengaluru | Public Holidays in Bengaluru Principal Manju Balasubramanyam said, "This would support personalised learning and ensure learning gaps are identified and resolved by the teacher as she will have the student with her for 2-3 years." Keeping students with the same teachers and peers can help foster a sense of stability, trust and community, she said.
"Teachers gain deeper insight into each child's learning style, strengths and areas for growth. This continuity allows them to tailor their approach more effectively — reinforcing what students do well and providing consistent support where they need it the most," she explained. Outreach School, Wilson Garden, has had this policy since its inception 19 years ago and found it to be effective.
"After class 8, we shuffle based on the subjects students choose. Children become very fond of each other, and some become a support system for others. Unless there is a specific request from parents to change section, we don't change," said Kirti Senger, principal.
At the time of admission, sections are divided based on the ratio between the number of boys and girls. "So, all classes have above-average children, average and maybe a few below-average students as well. This continues until class 8," she said.
On the other hand, most schools prefer shuffling for greater exposure and for children to network better. "Also, schools want a good mix of all children in each class. The ratios have to be maintained — boys vs girls, quiet vs naughty, academically bright vs average, and so on," said another school principal.
Inventure Academy shuffles students in classes 1, 4, 9 and 11, and based on requests. "Divisions are made based on the boy-girl ratio as well to ensure the class has a balanced skill set — be it in academics, sports, arts, learning needs and so on. This will make classrooms more inclusive and lead to better learning.
Moreover, since our curriculum emphasises project-based learning, such a diverse group leads to a different set of thinking," said Nooraine Fazal, its founder. Pruthvi Banwasi, secretary of Karnataka Council of Preschools, said: "In systems like Montessori, the practice is to have the same teacher for three years as they will be able to track learning progress of children. As teacher attrition rates are high, most schools try to keep two teachers in a class.
" Expert Talk ‘Change is the only constant' "One of the life skills you have to impart to a child is to adapt to new changes, challenges and also show resilience. A new teacher, classroom, syllabus and students make a difference. There are pluses and minuses about these sorts of changes.
About 95% of children adapt and adults don't. Children are very malleable and extremely resilient," said Dr Mahesh R Gowda, founder and psychiatrist, Spandana Healthcare. But those who have problems making friends, and are anxious and reserved, might have an issue.
"A small set of people invest too much emotion into only one or two relationships. They really struggle in such scenarios. Parents of this set of kids can request teachers to put kids together.
That will restore the comfort of the child and temporary dysfunction," he added. Change is the only constant. Helping to cope with small setbacks will give life lessons to kids, Dr Mahesh said.
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