Parents' Information on Multi-Grade Classes
The Department of Education and Skills allots one teacher to each group of 28 pupils at present.
This is known as the pupil-teacher ratio.
The ideal situation for teacher and pupil would be a single stream class at all class levels with no more than 20 pupils per class. However, the current system does not allow for this and the principal with the advice of the school Board of Management have overall responsibility for grouping or splitting the classes where numbers would otherwise be too big or too small in one class.
The Department of Education objective is that class size should be as equitable as possible across all class levels with a particular focus on smaller class sizes at infant level.
The pupil-teacher ratio is dictated annually by the government budget and schools have no control over this.
However, the teacher will ensure that each pupil in each class will be working on the set of skills from the national curriculum for the correct class.
In Kildalkey NS, the matter is discussed in detail by the Board of Management each springtime following enrolment with a view to deciding how best to arrange the multi grade classes.
Questions and Answers
$1· What if my child is worried about leaving behind her friend(s) in the other class?
In most cases pupils will still mix with the same pupils at break times.
Many pupils will naturally form new friendships as they get older and it is best if children can have more than just one friend.
$1· Will my child be in a multi-grade class every year?
As far as possible any child that has been in a multi-grade class in the current year will be prioritised for not being in a multi-grade class the following year.
$1· Which teacher will deliver the curriculum/set the work/ do the corrections for my child?
The teacher who is in charge of your child’s multi-grade classroom is responsible for this.
$1· Is it optional to have my child in a multi-grade classroom?
No. It is not optional. The principal in consultation with the Board of Management and the teachers will decide on the pupil placement using a pre-defined set of criteria e.g. Test Results/ Random etc.
$1· How will the teacher be able to teach two grades effectively?
Over 75% of primary schools in Ireland have multi-grade classes and this has always been the case in Kildalkey up to relatively recently.
Teachers are trained to deliver the curriculum to these classes and indeed the curriculum books are usually designed to cater for multi-grade settings.
$1· What happens in a sacramental class e.g. communion or confirmation?
The Alive-O programme is designed to be delivered in multi-grade classrooms. On a small number of occasions, it will be necessary for the teacher to take the smaller group on their own. In many cases the remainder of the class will be involved in choir. Other teachers will assist in making sure all classes are taken care of.
$1· What do I do if I feel my child is struggling/ bored in the multi-grade classroom?
$1· As always you are welcome to make an appointment to address your concerns with the class teacher.