RDC(3) RRSWC10

Rural Development Sub-Committee

Inquiry into Reorganisation of Schools in Rural Wales

Response from Paul Penrose

With reference to the enquiry into rural education. Three of my children have been educated at a small community school in a village on the Welsh borders and have benefited strongly from the experience. The advantages of such schooling are clear, both for the local community and society at large:

• Pupils benefit from small class sizes.

• Community schools generally achieve at least as good educational results as larger schools.

• More learning from peers takes place in community schools.

• Pupils spend less time spent travelling when going to a local school.

• Small community schools have less bullying than larger schools.

• Children in the smallest schools from disadvantaged and impoverished backgrounds actually made progress

• Children in community schools benefit emotionally and behaviourally.

• Children in mixed-age classes perform better, mature quicker, learn cooperation and teamwork, behave better, and are more tolerant.

• Children in mixed age classes, on average, go on to do better at A level and beyond than children from larger schools.

• Community schools enable close relationship between families and teachers (with positive impact on educational achievement).

• Schools are an essential part of a community - without the school, the community simply becomes a dormitory.

Rgds

Paul Penrose