Two teachers, two assistants, a lecture hall - for more than 60 students. At the Broadclyst Community Primary School in the English city of Devon, all sixth graders sit in a single classroom, as reported, among others, the British broadcaster BBC. In many media and social networks was then heatedly discussed about the appropriate size of a class.
According to The Times, sometimes the class is taught by only one teacher - contrary to what the school says, with two teachers and two assistants always responsible for the students. They would teach the children only in maths, English, and history together - for at least three hours each day, writes The Times. For specialized subjects such as art, sports or music, according to the school administration, the classes are divided into groups of about 15 students.
The idea with the giant class was not created out of financial need, says headmaster Jonathan Bishop opposite the BBC. Instead, the lecture theater offers a "futuristic environment that is appropriate for the 21st century". According to the BBC, there is no limit to how big a class may be in the UK for students of that age.
"More suitable concept for the needs of children"
The school emphasizes that the sixth graders' room is state of the art: the teachers use a microphone, and every child has a laptop. So they could watch the class and the notes of the teachers at any time on their own screen.
Smaller classes would not necessarily increase quality, Headmaster Bishop told the BBC: "A flexible space, the support of experienced, qualified educators - this is a much more fitting concept for the needs of children than a smaller class with 30 children."
Experts have been stressing for years that children and young people in smaller classes do not automatically learn better. Bishop is also convinced that last year almost 90 percent of his students had reached the expected standards of reading, writing and arithmetic. That was far above the national and regional average, the school said.
