My feed
Premium

Please
or
to access all these features

Whether you're a permanent teacher, supply teacher or student teacher, you'll find others in the same situation on our Staffroom forum.

The staffroom

Is anyone out there a teacher in an independent school with smaller class sizes?

9 replies

Rarily · 28/02/2016 10:44

I am an experienced teacher thinking of going into the independent sector to schools with smaller class sizes. Does it make a difference to the way in which you can teach? Is the workload more manageable and do you feel you can teach better?

OP posts:
Report
Katnisnevergreen · 28/02/2016 11:16

Fewer students but more expected in terms of wider school involvement. Forget leaving when the bell goes, these activities to run and you are expected to be around if students need you.
Also, fewer books to mark, but marking and reporting is expected in greater detail and frequency, my school has 2 full written reports for each class a year, as well as 2 ptms for each. Then progress reports for the other terms.
Swings and roundabouts basically 😀

Report
colander1 · 28/02/2016 11:48

I am, and it is the only reason I am still teaching. Workload still mad but behaviour excellent and I enjoy teaching again. Good luck.

Report
GinandJag · 29/02/2016 05:21

I wouldn't teach if I could not be in the independent sector. You get out what you put into it.

Report
Rarily · 29/02/2016 08:13

Thanks for the feedback :)

OP posts:
Report
fatowl · 29/02/2016 22:33

I am in the private sector overseas.

I teach upper primary/lower secondary in a small private school with class size ranging from 12-22.

It's a nice environment to work, minimal discipline problems but I agree with the pp that expectations are high

Never underestimated how much material a well behaved, highly motivated y7 class can get though when you don't spent half the lesson reorganising seating and confiscating phones.

Report
MrsGuyOfGisbo · 01/03/2016 15:57

Never underestimated how much material a well behaved, highly motivated y7 class can get though when you don't spent half the lesson reorganising seating and confiscating phones.
Yes!
I am a supply teacher and teach in the same few schools two are (non-selective) independent and three are state (two faith, one LA comp).
The independent days are longer (6 x 1hr lessons) and then have after school clubs etc. But the teaching is real teaching - no low level level disruption, kids do not carry their bags around, never see a phone, they settle immediately, work in silence when required to, group work sensibly, no uniform issues, forgotten pens etc.
I have no desire to take on a FT perm contract as Li love the flexibility of supply, but if I really had to, would only do so in the independent sector.

Report
Rarily · 09/03/2016 08:43

Thank you!

OP posts:
Report
crazycatguy · 17/03/2016 23:09

After ten years in state, I recently decamped to the independent sector.

Small class sizes (20 is my largest) but deeper marking.

Small departments but freedom with curriculum.

Friendly smaller staff but little privacy.

Very middle class kids but they have social problems like anyone else.

Long days but long hols.

I know all their names as opposed to faces in crowds. Behaviour issues are just not handing in homework (haven't heard a student swear since I started). The kids even in mixed ability indies want to do well. I plan varied lessons because I have time to. I am expected to offer extra curricular, and I do. ISI are the critical friend OFSTED once was.

I'm not planning on leaving any time soon.

Report
Rarily · 24/03/2016 10:58

Thanks for the feedback. I did the interview and got around all the children in a 45 lesson 3 times.... It makes a difference.

OP posts:
Report
Please create an account

To comment on this thread you need to create a Mumsnet account.