Group size counts
The aim of DigiSmart is to give a carefully selected group of 12 under-achieving children in Year 5 enough space, time and personal attention to enable them to improve their attainment, enjoy the feeling of success that this brings and, more generally but no less importantly, to feel better about themselves.
The impact of all of this transfers directly back into the classroom.
The group size of 12 children is large enough to be dynamic but small enough to allow for close and personal attention. It gives the chance for each child to have their own use of a computer within a supportive and enabling framework, and for sustained blocks of time. For these reasons, DigiSmart has not been designed for whole class teaching.
There are a few precedents for groups larger than 12. In such cases we have come to a pre-agreed arrangement with the schools. Our bottom line is that the group size is workable and the staffing sufficient to achieve the intended outcomes for the children.
“I look forward to DigiSmart because it makes me feel good and strong inside. I don't feel scared anymore.”
DigiSmart child
“Olivia is more willing to speak up back in class now she has had success in a small and supportive setting. She really felt like she belonged in DigiSmart and could take on the confidence of the group.”
DigiSmart Lead Tutor
