Small Schools - BIG Benefits
|
Thanks to Mahana School, Nelson (another small school) for the research & text for this section. |
Parents often wonder if a bigger school might offer more for their child; but bigger is not always best when it comes to the relationship between student learning and school size.
Research is showing that far from being disadvantaged by attending small schools, children may actually do better. Children are less likely to be overlooked or isolated in small schools. Everybody’s participation is needed for team activities, and children in small schools come to know and care about each other to a greater degree than is possible in big schools. Children at small schools tend to take more responsibility for their own learning, learning activities are more individualised, classes are smaller, and teachers are able to employ multi-age grouping and cooperative learning. “The culture of small schools typically revolves around hard work, high aspirations, respect for others, and the expectation that all students will succeed”. Wasley, P and Lear, R “Small Schools, Real Gains” Educational Leadership March 2001, Vol 58(6) Children feel a greater sense of engagement, belonging, and personal value when their classmates and teachers get to know them. This in turn has a positive effect on behaviour, and behavioural problems often diminish. Parents and teachers become allies in fostering student success. Communication between staff is easier, and they are able to work together to build a high-quality curriculum across disciplines and grade levels. Teachers have greater job satisfaction as a result. “In short, while large schools tend to be depersonalised, rule-governed organisations, small schools are able to be close-knit, flexible communities where no-one is a stranger”. McRobbie, J “Are small schools better?” West Ed Policy Brief, October 2001 Paparimu School teachers, students and parents/caregivers have all experienced these benefits first hand. Size really does matter, and by enrolling your child at Paparimu School you are giving your child/ren a chance to experience these benefits too. |
