One of the benefits of Bloo House is its size. As a small school, we keep our class sizes to a maximum of 8-10 pupils. This provides a platform that enables individual learning and allows children to flourish within class.
Frequent research about learning and education points to the use of strategies for which small schools typically have advantages.
High Standards
Nationally, standards shown in assessments are marginally higher for small cohorts. Ofsted frequently has used phrases such as: “small and very small schools generally compare favourably with other schools on all five inspection judgements”.
Induction and transitions
Starting at a small school are usually stress-free experiences for children, because they are often familiar with the people and the environment well in advance. In addition, transitioning to larger environments when leaving a small school is also very easy as pupils are introduced early on to the new environment and so are well prepared for such a change.
Learning styles
We often think of children as having particular propensities to learn in different ways and in small schools these can be more easily planned for and adopted by teachers who know the children very well.
Metacognition
Partly because classes at Bloo House have mixed ages, children often learn to learn from peers and (when prompted) can reflect on their own learning as well. As such, small schools like Bloo House generally provide great potential for children taking on lifelong skills.
Innovation
Traditionally, small schools are the innovators in education. Bloo House is such an example, being one of the first schools in the United Kingdom to incorporate a Multiple Intelligence curriculum for primary aged children. In general, small schools have often been found to ‘turn-around’ very quickly.
Benefits to children’s lives
Due to the size of Bloo House, children are enabled to develop their full potential allowing them to discover who they really are as people. A familiar and home-from-home environment encouraging close friendships and overall contentment supports the “whole child” educational approach.
Small numbers and well known families
Parents and staff are well known to each other in both professional and friendly ways. Due to small numbers, this knowledge plays a pivotal role in understanding and engaging a child’s emotional intelligence.
More individual teaching and learning
At Bloo House, class sizes are typically smaller allowing staff to really identify with the children they are teaching. This in itself has a positive impact on a child’s learning as individuals are empowered to discover their natural academic strengths.
Confidence, independence and responsibility
Typically, pupils at small schools show a marked difference in their confidence and speaking levels as well as their ability to take on responsibilities.
Holistic provision
The holistic approach at Bloo House provides children with a unique learning environment, helping them to develop emotionally, academically, physically and spiritually. In support of our holistic philosophy, children are taught by an exceptionally well trained and qualified group of teachers who as well as being specialists in their field, share that all important ingredient – life experience.
Parental involvement
At Bloo House, we enjoy open communication with parents. As such, we have a strong family community. Like most small schools, parents are very supportive of the work we do and actively engage in activities such as fund raising, coffee mornings and sometimes, a spot of gardening!