Describes problems and some advantages and disadvantages of small rural primary schools. Topics discussed include school closures, finance, teacher/pupil relationships and interactions, interruptions and the teaching head, adult/adult relationships, the small school environment, and approaches to learning. (RH)

In describing the primary school reorganization controversy in Gwynedd, Wales, the author emphasizes the ideological positions of the opposing groups: the rural contingent favored small village schools closely tied to the community and to Welsh culture; the urban-based, technocratically-minded group preferred cost-effective consolidated schools.…