This study will aim to understand the effects on wellbeing and attainment within standard class sizes in UK primary schools. The objective is to identify if children can be academically and holistically successful in a large classroom compared to a smaller group. The advantages and disadvantages of a standard class of thirty children will be explored.
Current literature and academic research will be evaluated to identify evidence and best practice. The evaluation of whole class and group working will be considered in supporting wellbeing and attainment.
Class size is defined as the number of pupils in a class with one teacher (Department for Education, DfE,2011). Government guidelines will be considered including the child to adult ratio alongside research relating to attainment and wellbeing in whole class and group settings.
The two broad aims outlined in the National Curriculum (DfE,2013), states that all maintained schools provide a balanced and broadly based curriculum that promotes the spiritual, moral, cultural, mental and physical development of pupils and prepares pupils for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of adult life (The National Curriculum of England,2023). The question is whether class size contributes to or hinders children’s success.