If small really is beautiful, there’s nothing more attractive to a teacher than a classroom of just half a dozen kids.
Throw in a gorgeous view out of the window and you could be in many of Scotland’s rural schools, where a handful of pupils is pretty much the norm.
Like Papa Westray Primary School in the Orkney Islands which, through s1jobs, has been seeking a teacher. The lucky candidate who takes up this post teaching kids aged four to 11 is guaranteed to enjoy a beautiful island setting and a wealth of wildlife.
A remote teaching post such as Papa Westray undoubtedly has its challenges but teaching small classes in any setting comes with many benefits for those in front of the desks – and those behind them. Here are just a few.
Custom-made
Teachers of a small class get to know their kids well, their strengths and their weaknesses, passions and learning styles, and can tailor their teaching to suit. It means more time for teaching and less time trying to get their attention.
Less fidgeting
In smaller classes it’s more difficult for students to hide and get left behind, or sit unnoticed at the back playing with fidget spinners. Fewer students means each one gets more attention from the teacher: a far more fulfilling outcome for both teacher and students.
Rapid learning
Students in small classes learn faster and tend to get better grades. They generally feel more comfortable asking questions and voicing their opinions without the fear of being giggled at by their peers.
One-to-one
Having a teacher’s undivided attention is something parents fork out hundreds of pounds a year for in tuition fees. One-to-one teaching in a small class means teachers can tailor their lessons so nobody ever falls behind.
Going off-grid
Fewer pupils means more opportunities for spontaneous learning. Taking a class of six to study bird life in the field next door is far easier than getting 26 forms signed and returned by parents before embarking on a nature lesson hours away by coach.
As with everything, there’s always a flip side to teaching a small class. You’ll never be able to put on a performance of West Side Story or field any more than five-side-teams.
Still a gorgeous view from the window can make up for most things.
For roles in Education of all shapes and sizes visit s1jobs