What Are The Benefits Of Small Class Sizes At Keble?
At Keble Prep School we have small classes, which means our boys benefit from focused teaching. They are able to develop relationships with pupils in their own and other year groups. The result? They gain a confident social demeanour and achieve the best academic results possible.
- More one-to-one time
In our small classes it stands to reason that each pupil will have much more individual interaction with their teacher. This dialogue is critical, both for the development of skills and for inspiring our boys. Pupils have a real sense that their teachers know them well and care for them individually. When boys know that they are valued and staff care about their work, they excel.
2. Students can’t hide
In a large class, it becomes much easier for the quiet children, or the unmotivated children, to hide in a clique of friends or the back of the class. At Keble, with fewer pupils, teachers can ensure that everyone participates and engages in class.
3. Easier to identify issues
Within small classes, teachers can identify where problems might be arising, and then address the issues quickly. With a small number of boys in a class, teachers have the time to set and mark work more regularly than colleagues teaching larger groups. Pupils are supported by effective and regular feedback on their work as teachers can spend more time on each individual.
4. More cohesive class culture
At Keble, because of the small classes pupils have the opportunity to interact and form relationships with all of their classmates, ensuring that boys are supportive of each other.
5. Teacher- pupil relationships
The quality of relationships teachers are able to build with each student is enhanced because of small class sizes. Teachers know the strengths, weaknesses and needs of each pupil and are able to provide both support and challenge on an individual basis.
6. Boys’ engagement
When pupils have a strong relationship with their teachers and know they are responsible for their work and level of participation, they are bound to be more engaged with the curriculum. At Keble, our boys are in an environment where engagement and high quality work is simply expected of everyone – it becomes the cultural norm. When pupils have strong relationships with their teachers and when they care about what their teacher thinks about their performance, they will work hard to impress.
7. Go faster
Simply put, with a small group, teacher attention is more focused, students are more inclined to engage and be enthusiastic. When this happens, work gets done faster. When tasks are finished quickly, classes can cover more ground, explore more topics and experience the curriculum more broadly. Now everyone has time for more fun in class, thus improving class culture and cohesion.
8. Positive environment
In a small class there will simply be less noise and discipline is more easily maintained. Within a stimulating environment, boys are inspired to be more focussed.
So we believe that “small really is beautiful”. Don’t just take our word for it – come see for yourself!
For further information contact Andrea Michael, Head of Admissions: [email protected]
Keble Prep, Wades Hill, Winchmore Hill, London N21 1BG
Telephone: 0208 360 3359
