To want to start my own school?

[lambiee]

Would you ever send your child to school like this?
After being at my wits end with schooling (both primary and secondary, through my life; my life as a teacher and my children’s!) I am genuinely considering opening my own (probably boarding) school.

My idea is kids from years 3-9 where they stay in small, consistent classes of about 6-10 kids and have the same teachers throughout and one classroom which will always be ‘theirs’.

They can feel at home in the school and there is a democracy (not a teacher led dictatorship) within the class. The schoolbuilding is light and airy without being unfamiliar and scarily big for the children.

Lots of extracurricular subjects but without that awful competitiveness that seems to ruin activities you usually get in schools.

They’re allowed relative freedom on big grounds when they have free time and technology is used only when it’s the best option for learning.

Is it wrong to just dream of a school that allowed kids to be kids without a constant barrage of exams; lots of silent work and never-ending pressure to be the best?

There’s a reason Britain’s schoolchildren are some of the unhappiest in the world and I really think this is it.

Classes of 6-10 children. Can you imagine how expensive that would be?! . Not to mention how much of a nightmare it would be if your child didn't get on with the remaining 5 kids?

It wouldn’t have to be terrible expensive, when I was younger I got to go to a tiny private school on a scholarship for a few years. Being in tiny classes (biggest had 10 people) like that was really lovely, my confidence rocketed and the fees were around £9,000 a year, which for private schools isn’t bad at all. It was just the pressure which was bad.

Yes and no. I've been a teacher for 15 years, and I am very frustrated with many aspects of school life. Class size to me is the key. 6-10 kids would be a dream. Actually up to 16 would be great as you would really know the children and understand how they work very quickly.

The democracy aspect could only be applied to certain areas. For example if one class democratically agreed they had no interest in fractions or doing any sport at all, the teacher would need to let their inner dictator shine. Otherwise it's not a school, it's a day care.

One teacher per six children will be expensive whichever way you look at it.

There’s a reason Britain’s schoolchildren are some of the unhappiest in the world and I really think this is it.

thats why home education is a legal(and better) option that public school where they expect them to start at 3,or 2 in my area

Apart from class size a lot of this is similar to the school DD attended. Class sizes in year 3-6 were max of 20. Frankly less in year 5/6 with girls would have been awful. It was not one teacher all the time as for Maths and English although there were two classes per year there were three sets so 12-14 in a set and specialist subjects were taught by specialist teachers. Quite frankly if you are paying you expect specialist teachers. Lunchtimes they were turned out into 52 acres to run, play and climb trees. In fact she is still there in the senior school and they are still climbing trees in year10.
Lots and lots of extra curricular, everyone is actively encouraged to find the thing they are good at. Not boarding, day pupils drawn from a 20 mile radius.

Boarding for year 3

I think for the few years before GCSE they need subject specialised who can ensure they are developing the skills they need for each each separate topic. I’ve taught KS3 outside my specialism and while I have worked hard to ensure my subject knowledge is up to scratch I know the students were not getting as good a deal as if they have a subject specialist.

I think a middle school set up which is between a primary and secondary school would be great. I have also taught nurture groups where they were taught by only 4 teachers per year in secondary.

I wonder with people moving house, having children, wanting part time and illness how you would ensure they have the same teacher for many years?

I’m sure all parents would like to their child taught in a smaller class. I think 16 students would be ideal. I love a bit of kagen and it works well with 16 students. But I know I couldn’t afford to privately educate my children.

Having the same teacher throughout will only work if the child has a good relationship with that teacher. You can have a good teacher and good child but they may not gel. The thing that gets kids through a year of having a teacher they don't particularly like is that they get a new start and different teacher every year.
Similarly very small classes has its pros and cons. Fewer children means you might not find someone with whom you click.
My very sensitive DGS went to the nursery of a small private school for two years, classes of 6-10 till age 13, but DD chose to send him to the local state primary (250 kids) as she felt he needed to be able to socialise with larger groups. He's now in Yr6, head boy, and very confident.

I would in a heartbeat and we are looking at viewing Inwoods Small School for our boys which sounds similar to what your offering. 45 pupils to the school, focus on collaborative learning and understanding the curriculum through topics etc. Most importantly it’s exempt from the ridiculous testing. Interestingly fees are £1500 a term which is nothing compared to nursery /childminder fees in this area. It’s not boarding but the follow on school is. I’m part of a local parenting group and despite the school being 45 mins away it’s highly recommended and parents share lifts etc. I appreciate it’s not for everyone but I can assure you their is a market for such schools . Just to say I also believe our education system has a severe impact on children’s mental health.

Don't people think kids in other countries take exams?

That probably sounds a bit goady, it isn't. Exams and working in silence is part of school life.

No, because y9 are often strapping 6' hormonal hairy nightmares who need to be part of something bigger/ looking on to the next stage IME.

Might be nice for primary, but I suspect by 14 they'd have thoroughly outgrown it - & I'm not convinced it would be great preparation for the exam years.

Perhaps in conjunction with a KS4/5 sister school?

I work in/send my dc to a lovely nursery-IB international school with small classes & a close 'family' feel btw, so I'm not deliberately poo-pooing - I just think your age range is a bit off.

Honestly I’ve just been dreaming about it, that’s why i haven’t thought about every single detail.

Like for the years I just thought to include those pre-exams (I know it’s so unlikely, but I’m hoping they get rid of GCSEs, since education to 18 is compulsory now)

The whole same teacher, same class thing was just an idea that I thought would be good because if you have a consistency with things around you, you’re comfortable and you know what to expect, then learning new things should be easier as you can focus.

whyiinstigate - of course children in other countries take exams, but generally not ones that
are so formal before they’re 18, because those are the ones that count there. Coaching children for SATS for years and years doesn’t seem to be the best way to a good standard of education. (I hope this doesn’t sound argumentative, because it really isn’t supposed to!)

Well, no, but on the other hand, no system is perfect. I agree SATs are a load of bollocks but they don't count in any real sense, when all is said and done.

As an a level teacher anything less than 10 is awful to teach. No atmosphere, lack of debates- it can get really stale. I find 15-20 much better to get kids ideas bouncing off each other. So small is fine lower down but further up the key stage really small groups are nearly (but not quite as bad!!) as too big a group.

You're a teacher and haven't thought about appropriate age ranges or class sizes or subject specialisms? I assume you've not had much experience of secondary schools or kids?

One teacher and small nurtury class sizes sounds lovely for infants and younger juniors, but not really for any older. And why would you think about boarding for such a young age group.

The only issue with very small groups is that if they form cliques then some can end up being horribly left out.

My DD was in a small private school from yrs7-9. There were 15 in her year group and only 7 girls. She was the one of two girls to join in year 7 and the others had all known each other since Nursery. There were two queen bee types and if you fell out with them then the others were too scared to stick up for you and she found herself ostracised. The school were actually pretty good at dealing with it but there was very little choice of other friends so it just didn't work out.

In addition to this the education didn't turn out to be what we expected and she moved to a bigger independent in year 10 and never looked back.

I world absolutely hate having the same class every year. I don’t think it does the children good to get too attached to one teacher.

I don’t think having the same teacher all of the time in such small classes is a good thing but if you are really interested in alternative provision have a look at A.S. Neill’s Summer Hill. It is definitely democratic and very different to any other school I have heard of. I think for certain kids it is the most perfect of schools.