A secondary school has created science “masterclasses” that put 150 pupils together in a hall or large labs for teaching amid staffing shortages.
The Romsey School, in Romsey, near Southampton, Hants, sent a letter home to the parents of Year 7 to 11 pupils to inform them of the adjustment to their children’s study schedule.
The classes are held in a mini-lecture style, where pupils are able to go through exam papers and get feedback from teachers on how they performed.
The letter said: “In order to ensure that students feel fully confident and ready for their examinations, from Monday Feb 5 Feb onwards, we are planning to deliver ‘Science Masterclasses’ in place of their normal science lessons.
“The model is planned to maximise specialist input at all levels.
“This will involve delivering masterclasses in the hall and/or the larger labs, where a specialist scientist expert will run sessions for several classes at a time.”
Parents have voiced concern after Romsey school head teacher Annie Eagle began 'Science Masterclasses' of up to 150 students at a time to combat teacher shortages.
Headteacher Annie Eagle said she is using masterclasses “as a direct response to temporary staffing challenges in science”.
“We have communicated directly with our Key Stage Four students and their families and received lots of positive feedback, particularly from our students,” she said.
“The Romsey School values positive parent partnerships and would want to continue to work directly with any parents who have any concerns.”
