Vol. 568 No. 2
160 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science his policy regarding the need for some pupils in primary school to repeat a year; the directives in force in this regard; the percentage of primary pupils who have repeated a year in 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001 and 2002; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16116/03]
My Department's policy on the retention of pupils in primary schools is set out in primary circular 11/01 which issued to all primary schools in March 2001. The primary school curriculum is designed as an eight year course, including a two year infant cycle followed by six years in standards from first to sixth, with children progressing to the next grade at the end of each school year.
My Department is providing considerable support for pupils with learning difficulties in schools. Learning support teachers, resource teachers, special needs assistants, computer equipment and a wide range of resources under the various schemes for schools in areas designated as disadvantaged are among the forms of provision allocated to schools for these pupils.
Under my Department's policy, pupils should only repeat a year for educational reasons and under no circumstances should an additional grade level – middle infants or repeat sixth class – operate through the retention of all or a substantial number of pupils for a second year at a grade level.
In accordance with the terms of the circular, a principal teacher should consult the learning support teacher, class teacher and parents of a pupil and if all parties conclude that the pupil would benefit educationally by repeating a class, the pupil may be retained. However, a record outlining the educational basis for the decision to retain a pupil in class for a second year should be kept for any pupil retained. In addition, there should be a clear programme outlined for such a pupil that records precisely what new approach will be used for her or him and what its expected benefit will be. These records should be retained within the school and should be brought to the attention of the inspector. A pupil should not be retained for longer than one year in a primary school.
The information requested by the Deputy relating to pupils retained in ordinary classes is set out as follows:
|
% |
|
|
1998-99 |
1.93 |
|
1999-00 |
1.75 |
|
2000-01 |
1.65 |
161 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of pupils who began primary school in 1999, 2000, 2001 and 2002; the breakdown of the ages of pupils involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16120/03]
I have made arrangements for my officials to forward the information sought directly to the Deputy.
