As we move towards the second half of the year many of you will be considering 'what's next' for my child in the coming years. Many, particularly for Year 6 students, will be making decisions about which Secondary school to attend in 2020.

At St Joseph’s School we have a distinct advantage because the smaller size of our Secondary as a whole and the individual class sizes.

Research and experience have also shown that the following are advantages of smaller class sizes:

1. Each Student Gets Noticed

In a smaller class, it’s more difficult for students to hide and get left behind.

2. Better Results

Research has shown that high school students in smaller classes have higher grades and perform better on their university entrance exams.

3. Learning is Enhanced

Not only do students learn more in small classes, but they also learn faster.

4. Teachers Can Teach

Teachers at the front of a small class have more opportunities to observe and assess the class as a whole and the students as individuals.

5. Classes Become a Community

With fewer students per class, individuals can connect more closely with their peers and become more confident and comfortable when it comes to sharing their ideas and perspectives. These connections lead to lasting friendships.

6. Opportunities to Participate

Small groups mean fewer voices, which means the students those voices belong to, have more chances to speak up in their class.

7. Focus on Learning

In learning environments with a limited number of students, teachers can spend more time teaching the material and less time trying to regain the attention of those who are easily distracted. Teachers can also cater to students’ different learning styles and ensure that they stay engaged and understand what is being taught.

8. More Feedback

Teachers have more time to individualise their feedback, ensuring that each student understands the material, can get the help they need and can reach his or her potential.

9. Students and Teachers Can Work One-on-One

Students and teachers have more opportunity to work together one-on-one, which gives teachers the opportunity to customise instruction and guidance, and students receive their teacher’s undivided attention.

10. Ideas Are Shared

With fewer students in a class, there is more time for them to share their own ideas, express their opinions and describe their perspectives.

Further, research has also shown, compared to larger schools, students in smaller schools fight less, feel safer, come to school more frequently, and report being more attached to their school. Safety is not confined to physical security, it is also psychological.

Research consistently reveals that in small schools, students of all “types” feel they can connect with one another much more readily and openly, and also with caring adults whom they know quite personally. Smaller, more “communal” learning environments reduce both student and teacher alienation commonly identified in larger school systems, and enhance student engagement in learning. 

Unlike many large schools, the culture of small schools typically revolves around hard work, high aspirations, respectful relationships with others, and the expectation that all students will succeed. Students who participate in activities and feel connected at school have higher achievement, are less likely to drop out, they have higher self-esteem, attend school more regularly, and have fewer behaviour problems.

At St Joseph’s School every student matters. Every student deserves the opportunity to be the best they can be. Our smaller size makes this much more achievable.

God bless,