Bishop's Park College in Clacton has been divided into three small schools within one school; and school leaders, staff and students are reaping the rewards of this personalized approach to education. Headteacher Mike Davies explains how this approach allows them to get to know their pupils really well. Each small school is run by a principal with a maximum of 300 students. At KS3 pupils work on themed projects for 4 days and then have a master class on Fridays. Catherine Wallis explains what she does during her English master class and Ed Constantine describes the role and importance of their weekly tutorial groups. One day a week pupils have access to clubs and this frees up time for staff CPD. Initially new staff experience a culture shock when they get involved in teaching the whole curriculum but they find it stimulating and rewarding to use their keys skills in other areas. The students feel inspired and acknowledge that the staff really understand them.

Video Series: Human Scale Schools
Release Date 2007