Survey identifies largest classes

By Sarah Schwager
DEVON Meadows Primary School has one of the largest classes in the state despite average class sizes being at their lowest in 34 years.
The school made equal third largest in the state with 31 students in a class, with three of the school’s grade five and six classes overcrowded. That is nine above the state average of 22.
Principal Peter Hicks said the large class size was due to extra enrolments this year. “We would rather have the number around 27 in that area of the school, but if we get an extra three of four kids during the year we are not going to alter the whole class structure,” he said.
Mr Hicks said to accommodate for the increased numbers, extra support and resources had been brought in.
“For maths and reading the students are taken out to a different classroom so, in effect, teachers are working with grades of around 20 students a lot of the time,” he said.
Mr Hicks said the school’s other classes were much lower with 19 students in prep classes and 21 students in grade one and two classes.
River Gum Primary School was also reported as having a class of 31 students in The Age this week, but principal Gary Martin confirmed with the newspaper that the figure was a mistake.
The Hampton Park school’s largest class is a grade three class of 28 students.
“I would like all of my teachers to have 18 kids in a class but the Education Department gives us a ratio of teachers to class sizes and we have to follow that,” Mr Martin said.
Schools can reject students from outside the area but must allow those within the immediate area to attend.
Australian Education Union Victorian branch president Mary Bluett said 31 students in one class was “certainly not a desirable figure”. “What we need is a long term plan or commitment from the State Government to put a limit on class sizes across the board,” Ms Bluett said.
She said in high-growth areas, such as Casey, an increased amount of pressure was put on school facilities.
“Sometimes schools don’t have the choice. It’s particularly the case in your area where there is such a high population growth,” she said. Ms Bluett said the educational benefits for students learning in a small class were significant.
The Education Department was contacted but it did not respond before the News went to press.