[RogerR]

The cynic in me suggests it's any method to reduce the loss of first night beginners who will not return unless they feel confident.
The group-theorist in me says that if you introduce people to others in the same situation then the members gain confidence from the group.
The ex-teacher in me says that it gives the beginners something to do while the inters do their class. Otherwise the beginners leave, or join the inter class and lose the plot and leave.

It should be a revision of the beginners class with much personal tuition and then a group entry to the freestyle so that the group can freestyle their limited repertoire with each other for a start.