10 Benefits of Small Class Sizes

Choosing the right school for your child is not always easy. From the curriculum and location to the tuition fee and facilities, parents must consider a wide variety of factors to select the ideal school. One important factor that often gets overlooked is class size. 

Studies show that smaller class sizes have plenty of benefits for both teachers and students. With fewer students per class, teachers have the opportunity to tailor the delivery of lessons to suit each student’s abilities, needs and interests. Students are given more attention and provided with personalised learning opportunities.

In contrast, some students thrive in a large classroom environment, where they can benefit from a large social group and independent learning. So does the class size really matter? And how do smaller class sizes in international schools benefit students?

In this post, we’ll explore 10 reasons why small classes are perfect for students. You can jump to each section by clicking on the links below:

• Benefits of small class sizes
  • Less intimidating for new students
  • Create a climate for learning
  • Children are encouraged to collaborate
  • Teachers can provide more support and attention
  • Help build curiosity
  • Participation is encouraged and expected
  • Develop lifelong friendships
  • Allow for continuous assessment and feedback
  • Students can share their perspectives and ideas
  • Small classes foster kindness, respect and empathy.
• Perfect class size and student : teacher ratio at XCL World Academy

Read on for more information on small class sizes and their effects on learning.

It’s less intimidating for new students.

Transferring schools can be quite stressful. Small class sizes can help new students settle in faster, especially if they just recently moved to Singapore.

Small class sizes create a nurturing learning environment.

In a small class, every student gets noticed — which means learning barriers can be addressed as soon as the teacher sees them. Teachers also have the time to get to know each student, understand their skills, weaknesses and learning preferences. This helps schools to create an engaging environment where personalised learning helps students achieve their personal best.

Children are encouraged to collaborate.

In a large class, students tend to stick with people they already know. But in a small class, everyone can really get to know each other. When students are comfortable with their classmates and teachers, they’re more likely to engage with and support each other.

Teachers can adjust the pace and depth of lessons.

With fewer students to manage, teachers can spend more time teaching and working with students. Depending on the class, they can explore topics in-depth or slow down the pace of instruction. More time is allocated for difficult concepts, which results in greater understanding across all levels.

It helps build curiosity.

Small class sizes encourage and nurture students’ curiosity. This means they can pursue their inquiries and find the answers to their own questions. These inquiries are not planned by teachers but often lead to genuine and meaningful conversations. By keeping class sizes small, teachers can spend more time on the topics that interest students — encouraging them to become active participants in their learning.

Participation is encouraged and expected.

Children are most likely to become confident learners in an environment in which they feel secure to express themselves without fear of judgement. Small class sizes provide a happy, calm, secure and stimulating environment where students can develop at their own pace under the guidance of teachers, express their ideas and connect with their peers.

Children feel comfortable asking for further assistance, whereas, in a larger classroom setting, they have the disadvantage of potentially falling behind or hiding behind those who are more vocal and confident.

Students develop lifelong friendships with classmates.

In smaller classes, students tend to get to know each other very well. These students are also less likely to judge classmates on traits such as race and gender.

Small classes allow for continuous assessment and feedback.

The IB provides a rigorous framework for assessment and student work is evaluated according to criteria that clearly reflect the holistic philosophy of the programme. A small class size ensures that each student receives helpful feedback from teachers and classmates. Self-assessment is also an integral part of the process.

Students can share their perspectives and ideas.

In a small class, students feel more confident to put their hands up. They’re more likely to ask questions and share their ideas with the class. This teaches students to appreciate other perspectives while celebrating their heritage and unique sense of self.

Small classes foster kindness, respect and empathy.

By working closely with their classmates and teachers, students learn to be kinder, more respectful and empathetic of others. Small class sizes allow teachers to create a safe and secure environment, where students can continually pursue their strengths and overcome challenges. This builds resilience, perseverance and character.

Perfect class size and student : teacher ratio at XCL World Academy

At XCL World Academy (XWA), our teachers provide individualised support for each student to ensure that they feel safe, comfortable and welcomed.

From the initial school tours through to eventual enrolment, the objective is to ensure that we “know our learner” – your child. We find out as much as we can about our students prior to commencement – interests, strengths and areas for improvement. This information assists in the decisions about class placements, the selection of a transition buddy and like-minded students to support your child’s arrival.

We believe that small class sizes with inspiring and highly qualified teachers enable your child to define their own pathway and reach their maximum potential.

Our class sizes are limited to only 14 students in the Nursery, 16 students in Kindergarten and 24 students in Primary to High School — much lower than the average in most Singapore classrooms. This allows the full-time teacher and a teaching partner in your child’s class to get to know your child and tailor activities to their individual needs specially designed to develop confidence and bring out the best in them.

As our learners progress through Primary School, more emphasis will be placed on developing their independence and organisational skills. With this in mind, students in Grades 3 – 5 will mainly work with their homeroom and specialist teachers, supported by a team of teaching partners who work across the grade level.

This allows our teachers to get to know each student, not only in terms of their academic development but also their goals, abilities, learning styles, social-emotional skills and more. With this knowledge, our teachers can customise the delivery of instruction to ensure that each student achieves their maximum potential.

With over 50 nationalities represented in our school, even our smallest classes are incredibly diverse. Our students have unique opportunities to connect with peers from different backgrounds, cultures and countries, expanding their horizons and learning how to respect cultural diversity. In a small class setting, your child gets a better opportunity to know their classmates which helps foster meaningful and lasting friendships.

At the end of the day, the most important thing is that your child feels safe and happy in school.

Contact us for more information about our small class sizes, personalised learning opportunities and how our teachers help our students to bring out the best in them.