asked the Minister for Education the guidelines, if any, her Department has in regard to the upper limit of pupils which should apply in classes in post-primary schools for the subjects, agricultural economics, agricultural science, Gaeilge, English, French, Italian, German, Spanish, Hebrew, classics, history, geography, mathematics, applied mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics-chemistry, physics, general science, Intermediate Certificate accounting, business organisation, economics, economic history, commerce and Intermediate Certificate art, home economics, music, physical education, civics, philosophy, woodwork, metalwork, and engineering, mechanical-technical drawing, construction studies, religious education, career guidance and counselling, remedial education, computer studies, transition year and vocational preparation training programme, having regard to educational considerations, insurance considerations, safety considerations and any other rules or regulations or guidelines affecting the question of class sizes.
Written Answers. - Guidelines on Class Numbers.
The relevent paragraph in the rules governing the payment of special grants to secondary schools for practical subjects reads as follows:
4 (ii) The maximum number of pupils that may be permitted in a class is as follows:—
|
(a) Science (practical class), Woodwork or Metalwork, Technical Drawing: |
24 |
|
(b) Home Economics, Building Construction: |
24 |
|
(c) Geography, Art, Physical Education, Mechanical Drawing: |
30 |
The Minister may, in special circumstances, exceptionally approve a class exceeding the number prescribed above. In that event he may require that a second teacher be provided to assist with the practical instruction.
My Department does not issue guidelines to post-primary schools as to the upper limit of pupils to be allowed in classes for general subjects. This would be a matter for determination by the school authorities having regard to all the relevant circumstances such as those referred to by the Deputy.