Class Size

ASTI commissioned research on class size in the Junior Cycle in 2020. The key findings underline that class sizes in Irish second-level schools remain higher than EU or OECD averages.

Most subjects have class sizes in the range of 21-30. Core subjects such as English and history have larger than average class sizes, followed by geography, business studies and religious education.

More than half of all classes in short courses such as CSPE, SPHE and physical education have classes in the range of 26-30.

The majority of teachers state that large classes have a negative impact on teaching and learning and on the disciplinary climate in the classroom. At least 4 in 5 teachers feel that class size inhibits range of teaching strategies used and opportunities for students to engage in group and other collaborative work.

Click here for survey.

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