The average number of children in Primary School classes has risen consistently across Wales since 2010 with the number of classes with 30+ pupils quadrupling in the past 5 years.
At Westbourne, class sizes remain capped at 18 per class in Reception – Year 5 and capped at 20 throughout Senior School, with a pupil: teacher ratio of 8: 1.
Parents, teachers and headteachers from across the globe widely agree that large class sizes can have a detrimental effect on the education of a child.
The Education Endowment Foundation reports that a measurable, positive impact is only really noticeable when a class is less than 15 – 20 pupils, internationally less than 18 is considered optimal.
The individual attention each and every child is able to receive at Westbourne Prep impacts their active involvement in the classroom, building character, confidence and developing a lifelong love of learning.
Within a small class, teachers are able to really get to know their students, their individual learning styles and needs, as well as having the time to explain difficult concepts and address individual questions.
The dramatic increase in attainment of pupils who join after the initial Reception year is marked. Those that may have been a little shy, blossom. Those needing the academic stretch, excel and those that need an extra helping hand or explanation, find that there is one to one attention to ensure that nobody gets left behind.
As passionate as we are about maintaining small class sizes, we are equally committed to enhancing the learning environment and enabling our talented teaching team to do what they are very best at….teach.
