ASTI - Ireland's main second level teachers union

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Research carried out by the ASTI indicates that as many as a quarter of all second-level schools have dropped at least one subject or programme from their curriculum as a result of the increase in the pupil teacher ratio and other education cutbacks. 

The research carried out in March 2010 provides a snap-shot of how 20 second-level schools are coping with savage education cutbacks introduced in 2009. Six of the schools have dropped, or are in the process of dropping, at least one subject or programme. One school has dropped two subjects – chemistry and music – as well as the Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme. 

Sixty-per cent of the schools surveyed have amalgamated a number of higher and ordinary level classes in a bid to cope with reduced numbers of teachers. Seven of the schools – approximately 35% - have amalgamated a number of fifth and sixth year classes. 

Schools have also been badly affected by the moratorium on posts of responsibility (middle management posts). Almost all of the schools surveyed – 19 out of the 20 – have been affected by the moratorium. A total of 53 posts were lost by the 20 schools (an average of 2.6 posts per school). Principals surveyed agreed that the loss of posts had damaged their schools’ administrative capacity, curriculum and school planning, and pastoral care supports. 

“The research demonstrates that the cutbacks are affecting all aspects of our young people’s education – the subject choice available to them, the size of their classes, and the personal development opportunities available to them through activities such as educational trips and through pastoral care supports,” said ASTI General Secretary John White. “The research makes it clear that the entire school community is suffering because of the education cutbacks – pupils, parents, teachers and school managers.”

Fifty per cent of second-level schools surveyed by the ASTI have increased voluntary contributions sought from parents because of the education cutbacks. Schools have also asked parents/ pupils to make contributions towards materials for practical classes as a result of the abolition of a number of grants in Budget 2009 including grants for home-economics and for science subjects. At the same time many schools have reported an increase in the number of parents seeking financial assistance for education-related expenditure including books and school uniforms.