Class sizes in practical subjects
The Department of Education (the department) provides guidance on class sizes in practical subjects for post primary schools detailed in 2004/05 Class sizes in practical subjects in post primary schools PDF 142 KB summarised below.
Under Regulation 15 of the Secondary School (Grant Conditions) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1973
- A practical subject includes Science,Technology and Design, Home Economics, Art and Design, Physical Education and Music.
- The number of pupils under instruction by one teacher should not exceed 20 for a class in a practical subject except where approved by the department.
The department is prepared to approve class sizes up to maximum numbers (shown in the table below) where:
- a class of pupils is under instruction in a practical subject and are not involved in practical activities;
- the activities are unlikely to present any risk to the health and safety of the pupils in the class; and
classrooms meet the required standards as set out in paragraph 6 of Circular 2004/05-Class sizes in practical subjects in post primary schools PDF 142 KB.
Practical Subject |
Year |
Maxiumum number of pupils |
|---|---|---|
| Science | 8-10 |
26 |
| Science | 11-12 |
24 |
| Science | 13-14 |
20 |
| Art and Design | 8-10 |
26 |
| Art and Design | 11-14 |
20 |
| PE - Gymnasium and Assembly Halls | 8-10 |
26 |
| PE - Gymnasium and Assembly Halls | 11-14 |
20 |
| PE - Playing Pitches and Sports Halls | All Years |
30 |
In determining class sizes it is the responsibility of school authorities to assess the health and safety risks of activities in the various practical subjects.
DE letter of 13 September 2010 Class Sizes in Practical Subjects PDF 657KB provides schools with information on sources of advice and guidance in carrying out health and safety risk assessments.
