[Impact of Class Size on Pupil Attainment]

By

Acknowledgement

I would take this opportunity to thank my research supervisor, family and friends for their support and guidance without which this research would not have been possible.

DECLARATION

I [type your full first names and surname here], declare that the contents of this thesis represent my own unaided work, and that the dissertation/thesis has not previously been submitted for academic examination towards any qualification. Furthermore, it represents my own opinions and not necessarily those of the University.

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Abstract

In this study we try to explore the concept of pupil attainment in a holistic context. The research also analyzes many factors of pupil attainment and tries to gauge the impact of class size on pupil attainment. In this research education systems are also studied.

Contents

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION1

1.1 Outline of the Study1

1.2 Introduction to the Research1

1.3 Rationale for the Research2

1.4 Context of the Study3

1.5 Research Questions4

1.3 Rationale for the Research4

CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW6

2.1 Issues6

2.2 The Reduction of Class Size6

2.3 The Effects of Private Schools9

2.4 School Choice9

2.5 Choice within the Public System11

2.6 Education Policy11

2.7 STAR (1989)12

2.8 Dupont Class Size (1985) studies16

CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY18

3.1 Research Design18

3.2 Literature Search18

CHAPTER 4: DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS20

4.1 Education in Britain20

4.2 Secondary education20

4.3 Education in Scotland22

4.4 The Class Size and Long-Term Experiment STAR23

4.5 Family Factors27

4.6 Peer Effects28

4.7 National Class Size Database29

CHAPTER 5: CONCLUSION31

REFERENCES34

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

1.1 Outline of the Study

This research focuses on the impact of class size on pupil attainment. The study comprises of the following chapters:

Introduction

Literature Review

Methodology

Conclusion

1.2 Introduction to the Research

For many years in Scottish education, there have been issues and concerns about the size of classes within primary schools across Scotland. Such concerns include, the effects class size has on pupil attainment and the effects class size has on teacher stress and workload. Research such as the Blatchford, (2008) research project, the STAR (Student Teacher Achievement Ratio) (1985-1989) and CSPAR (Institute of Education Class Size and Pupil Adult Ratio) (2004) have been undertaken to identify whether or not class size impacts pupil attainment. From 2006, class sizes in Scotland were restricted to a maximum of 30 pupils for primary 1 to primary 3, 33 pupils for a class between primary 4 and primary 7 and 25 pupils for a composite stage class, (Scottish Executive 2006). In Scotland the number of pupils in each class is determined due to the actual size of classrooms i.e. the number of pupils that can fit comfortably into the room, or the ratio of pupils to teacher i.e. an acceptable and manageable number of children under the supervision of one adult (politics.co.uk online). (Locke, 2007, pp. 28)



1.3 Rationale for the Research

Over the last four years of my teaching experience I have gradually developed reservations about the size of classes in Scottish primary schools. Discussions with others suggest they have similar concerns about the number of pupils in each classroom or the ratio to each adult. Teaching groups of children and maintaining their attention and motivation levels for short periods of time can be challenging for even the best of ...