Class Size
ALL YOUNG PEOPLE LEARN BETTER IN SMALLER CLASSES
Every teacher knows it. Parents know it. Independent schools make parents pay for it. Research confirms it.
Since 1998, the Government has invested over £600 million in a programme to reduce class sizes for 5 to 7 year olds. This is an important and welcome programme - but it must be built on to reduce class sizes for all ages.
The Tennessee STAR project in the United States and independent research in this country, including research by Professor Maurice Galton of Leicester University commissioned by the NUT, have demonstrated that children learn better in smaller classes.
Professor Galton's work was the first to establish a link between pupil achievement, class size and teaching. This research shows how important it is to reduce class size at Key Stage 2 and at all Key Stages as well as Key Stage 1.
In smaller classes, teachers can devote more time to individual children - increasing their opportunities for achieving success. Smaller classes allow teachers time to give children detailed feedback on their work, helping to motivate and encourage them.
"The most salient difference for all of the teachers between teaching in a small class and a large one undoubtedly was time: 'time to spend with individual children' ....."
('Class Size, Teaching and Pupil Achievement' by Professor Maurice Galton et al 1996).
Reception classes, mixed aged groups, practical activities - suchas art and drama - and children with special educational needs, all create particular demands that require even smaller classes. Large classes can make it harder to identify additional educational needs at an early stage and ensure they are met effectively.
"Teachers are more effective in smaller classes than in larger classes. In smaller classes, a greater proportion of task supervision concerns feedback on work. This has been shown in many research studies to be a crucial determinant of pupil progress"
('Class Size, Teaching and Pupil Achievement' by Professor Maurice Galton et al 1996).
WHY FURTHER ACTION ON CLASS SIZES IS NEEDED
In 1988, around 800,000 children in primary schools were being taught in classes of more than 30. By 1998, this figure had risen to over one million four hundred thousand children.
The Government's programme for 5 to 7 year olds means that all infant classes will be subject to a limit of 30 pupils with one teacher. Classes of more than 30 pupils will be eliminated for this age group by September 2001.
In other age groups, however, there are still far too many pupils in oversized classes.
At January 2000, 814,000 children aged 8 to 11 were in classes of more than 30 (a higher figure than for the entire 5 to 11 age group in 1988) while in secondary schools, over one third of a million pupils were in classes of more than 30.
The NUT has warmly welcomed the Government's initiative and investment in the education of 5 to 7 year olds. But this must be followed by similar action and investment for all other age groups. Class size matters at all ages.
Mandatory limits on class sizes for all ages have been a key part of NUT policy for many years. Join the NUT campaign for smaller class sizes to support children's learning and achievement.
Spread your message to an audience that counts, with options available for our website, email bulletins and publications including The House Magazine.
