And proof that there is something in that theory can be found at Thurnham Glasson Dock CE Primary School.

The smallest school in the Lancaster district, it has just 21 pupils spread across six year groups – half its capacity.

There are two classes: one consisting of nine Year One and Two children, the other 12 pupils from years Three, Four, Five and Six.

"When you are teaching children across different year groups you have to be extremely flexible in both methods of teaching and what and when you are teaching," admitted headteacher Gillian Thomas.

"But we also have teaching assistants and try to make sure the children get individual attention as much as possible, which is extremely beneficial for them."

Mrs Thomas said the small size of the school makes the eventual transition to larger secondary schools 'hard' for the children.

"We do lots more now on getting them ready for secondary school by visiting the schools and inviting the teachers to visit us," she said.
"You do not get the same personal relationships at a secondary school but we do what we can to encourage the pupils to think for themselves and drive their own learning."

One example of pupils being given responsibility is the school council, led by president Dena Edwards, aged 10, who was elected by fellow pupils in a secret ballot following hustings.

Her role includes showing visitors around, while the council liaises with pupils about improvements they would like to see at the school.

The toilets were recently refurbished on the suggestion of the council.

Good collective behaviour is rewarded by adding pasta to jars – which can be traded in for a treat when they are full. Mrs Thomas said the pupils were currently saving up for a day of ten-pin bowling.

Thurnham is a Church of England school connected to Christ Church in Ship Road, whose vicar comes in regularly to worship with the children.
There is a school service in the church at the end of every term and special services to mark occasions including Harvest and Mothering Sunday.
One of the most important criteria for admission to the school is whether they are from the local village.

Around half of pupils come from outside Glasson Dock but religious upbringing would only come into the equation if demand for places outstripped supply.

And that is unlikely to happen based on recent intake numbers, which stand at four for the current school year, with five newcomers expected this September.

The maximum intake is just six.

Mrs Thomas said she had not had to turn anyone away in her time at the school.

Some villagers send their children elsewhere because they require pre and post school care – one thing the school does not offer, although there are usually after-school clubs two or three nights a week.

Extra-curricular activities have included football with a coach from Morecambe FC, table tennis, gardening, guitar, recorders and even self-defence, with a film club due to start this week.

But conversely, the school attracts parents from south Lancaster and areas including Greaves and around the Pointer roundabout.

"A lot say they want their children to get the smaller school experience and we have had a number of Lancaster children moving here from larger primaries," said Mrs Thomas.

A major feather in the school's cap is its Eco-School Green Flag status in recognition of its efforts to protect the environment.

They are something passionately advocated by Mrs Thomas and have also involved parents, governors and the community.

"I feel strongly about it because it is these children who will have run out of resources not us," she said.

"We recycle for Britain. All the paper goes into recycling bins and the children are always bringing in batteries, ink cartridges and glass.

"They are also involved in taking meter readings to keep an eye on how much electricity we are using and we have a rota of children who make sure the computers and lights are turned off."

Pupils also have a garden in which grow their own vegetables including potatoes, cabbages and sprouts, which are used in school dinners prepared by cook Gail Porter.

"I think it helps persuade them to eat that kind of food and appreciate where it comes from," said Mrs Thomas.

"A couple of them have even got their families growing food now."
There is also a conservation garden, a 'breathing place' which is used as an outdoor classroom.

In December, the children planted saplings there, each marked with a tag bearing their name. After 18 months they will be re-located at suitable locations around the village and beyond.

The school tries to maintain a close relationship with the community around it and hosts monthly community lunches in which villagers and parents are invited to join the pupils for school dinner.

"We get about 25 people each time," said Mrs Thomas, who added that she firmly believes a school is integral to village life.

"If you take the school away from the village you take away that feeling of community," she said.

"So I believe there is always a place for a good village school – it is essential."