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Would you send you child to a small country school?

  • 20-06-2008 3:06pm
    #1
    record
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 34 ✭


    Our child is starting school this September. We have the option of sending him to a small, 3-teacher country school, which is within a few miles of the house (it is the local school). Alternatively, we can send him to a larger school, with better facilities, etc., but it is a bit further away.

    Has anyone any opinions based on their own experience?


Comments

  • #2
    popebenny16
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,461 ✭✭✭popebenny16


    Well, I'm totally biased as I'm on the BoM of a small country school.

    Pros:

    If the numbers are small enough then your child will get more attention... thought with only three teachers it sounds like they're doing three years at a time. This can be a real headache.

    Good interaction with the teachers because they are small in number. Also you get good mixing of the children, not as much segregation as in town or city schools. There is undoubtedly a bigger effort put in by the teachers and pupils on the school's behalf as in a we all pull together.

    Cons:

    This is really subjective, but their facilities may be basic, over cramped, and outdated. As much as small teacher sizes may be a plus they can be a minus. If a teacher has three years to teach, then how can you be sure that your child will get the attention. I know of pupils from a two teacher school where one was appalling (spent most of the time on the phone to her mates) and the other was dedicated. Problem was that the dedicated one took up all the slack.

    Children get all sorts of dancing, acting, music and outdoor things to do during school hours. Can this school provide them on site, or even in the local hall?

    Most important:

    Before making up your mind, see if there is a parents council attached to the school, or seek out the parents rep on the BoM. Ask neighbours (but watch out of people carrying slights or grievances). Local knowledge is the key.

    Finally, check out of there is a report online on the department of education site about the school.


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