Could larger class sizes have benefits?
Bure Valley School in Aylsham, Norfolk, teaches all Year 3 pupils in a class of 70, with two teachers and three teaching assistants, and all Year 4 pupils in a class of 60, with two teachers and two teaching assistants (read the full news story). What are your thoughts?
- 2% said This sounds like a terrific idea – something I’d like to see in my school!
- 26% said Perhaps. Large class sizes could be useful in certain circumstances.
- 27% said Hmmm. I tend to think that larger class sizes are unhelpful.
- 45% said That’s crazy! Large class sizes means disruption and less effective teaching.
Comments
said on 18 February 2012
Not if the inspectors want personalized learning
said on 5 February 2012
so really they are teaching around 14 children each time with the amount of adults they have in the class. what do they do when staff are ill with all those pupils. Is it safe to have them all in the same room?
said on 3 June 2011
I currently have a class of 35 - I wouldn't say it was ideal!
said on 29 April 2011
Being an effective listener and allowing children time to talk is vital. I struggle with 30 to allow time for sharing news or thoughts. When a child arrives excited and eager to share their news, I would find it extremely difficult to say 'Sorry we dont have time for that', because there are 69 other children also wanting to show and tell.
said on 29 March 2011
I believe the best way to effectively teach children is to know them well. The classroom should be a safe and warm environment where the children feel valued as individuals - not one of a large crowd.
said on 16 March 2011
I teach a class of 37 key stage 2 children - yes all 4 year groups and abilities in 1 class!, have a TA for 4 sessions a week. Horrendous!!
said on 21 February 2011
In terms of adult support, the ratio is very similar to an average class of 30 with a teacher and TA (better in fact) - not sure why this is seen as such a radical move?
said on 16 February 2011
I was taught in such a class, easy for the quieter children to be overlooked.
said on 16 February 2011
How can you personalise learning in that kind of environment? Who leads the teaching? How do children know who to listen to and when? Do all the children sit in rows in a big hall? The logistics of PE etc are unimaginable for Health & Safety. An absolutely crazy idea unless we are truly returning to Victorian methods.
anon said on 26 September 2012
my school has year 3 and 4 together with no differentiation. There are 3 classes of this blend each has 40 chd with 1 teacher and a ad hoc TA xx