Class Size and Student Achievement


There's no getting away from it, a good teacher in a large class is better than an average teacher in a small class.  However, even a good teacher will have less time to support children's learning if class sizes increase. Good teachers in smaller classes equal better learning outcomes for all our children.

The misconception behind all the talk about teacher pupil ratios is that it is a resource funding ratio not a class size ratio at all. Our roll generates approximately 25 government funded staff positions based on current ratios. Of the 25 positions this includes the principals position, support teachers and non teaching management staff. At Pinehill this means nearly three (3) of the 25 government funded positions are not available to put into classes. This means we cannot provide the stated ratio of teachers to pupils. Our class sizes are already larger than those stated in the budget announcements.

Our school by and large has very good teachers delivering quality learning for all our students. The issue with the latest round of budget announcements on class pupil teacher ratios is that it could result in increased class sizes for Pinehill. Any increase in class size will have an impact on the number of interactions a teacher is able to have with a child - which may impact on the quality of the learning all our children enjoy.

While the politicians say repeatedly that its the schools choice about class size, the reality is that we have little flexibility on setting class size while retaining effective leadership and support for our teaching staff.

Here at Pinehill our Board has long recognised this by resourcing the provision of up to 2 additional teaching positions each year in order to maintain lower class sizes.  As a state funded public school, one needs to ask the question - Should this be necessary?

We will continue to deliver the best learning outcomes for all our children - in spite of Government policy, however if you find this policy concerning you may wish to write to our local MP and let him know your thoughts.