The furore regarding class sizes in state schools continues to rubble on in relation to my growing indignation over the issue.
Peter Wilby questioned the motives in this week’s New Statesman while John Redwood MP rallied his support for Jim Knight on his recent blog. Though I’ve never really agreed with much John Redwood politics (but who am I anyway) I must say I’ve always admired his powerful intellect, resilience and steadfastness in holding fast to his beliefs, a rare virtue this day and age. Unfortunately so many contemporary MPs are driven by their careers, (or wallets) rather than their beliefs and values.
Notwithstanding these musings I’ve included below the comment I posted on Mr Redwood’s blog because I feel so passionate about the role of class sizes in education. I’ll admit as with so many things in life, it’s always too simplistic to reduce them to one singular cause nevertheless I believe the following……
“Calling for smaller class sizes is more than a convenient slogan they are the mechanism to improving attainment in the state sector. Jim Knight is like a lot of commentators and politicians as they seem to live in a different universe to the rest of us. Unfortunately the majority of people live in the real world where things aren’t perfect and so class size matters more than they appreciate.
John without sounding rude you ‘visit’ schools you don’t teach in them. Yes no doubt deliver fascinating talks to captive audiences especially in the privileged sector. Try delivering your talk to a mixed ability class in a better than average comprehensive school. Then do it four my times a day without feeling exhausted and trying to captivate the indifferent.
I teach in the state sector and achieve outstanding results in GCSE and A level in classes of 30. But I know I would do even better for every pupil if I had smaller class sizes. Wealthy parents are astute enough to realise this. That’s why they send their children to fee-paying schools.” Privileged parents use their economic advantage to purchase better teacher/pupil ratios and the associated benefits. The smaller the class the more time a teacher has with the individual child hence the better their attainment. That’s why unions and some politicians go on about it so much John. Indeed that’s why Jim Knight’s parents sent their son to Eltham College – need I say more!
