A projected oversupply of thousands of primary teachers over the coming years could allow the Government to lower class sizes significantly, according to Minister for Education Norma Foley. Ms Foley said these additional teachers could be used to “reimagine” how teaching takes place at primary level by re-skilling teachers to deliver foreign languages, science subjects or other areas of learning. The average number of pupils per teacher at primary level is set to drop to 25:1 later this year, the lowest on record. Ms Foley said smaller class sizes are “hugely positive” for teaching and learning and there was scope to examine the capacity to examine further changes and upskilling opportunities. These supports will be in addition to an expanded “summer programme” in schools, targeted at special-needs students and students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Source: The Irish Times June 03, 2021 18:21 UTC