Kinder class sizes improve but averaging creates other problems

Smaller classes are benefiting many students but overcrowding remains. KERRI CARR reports.

The reaction to smaller class sizes in kindergarten has been positive, but the Carr Government's decision to reduce average class sizes in K-2 classes rather than reduce classes sizes in K-3 to a maximum of 20 is causing problems in some schools. Woy Woy Public School was involved in a pilot program for reduced class sizes, which started in 2003.

Assistant principal and supervisor of kindergarten Liz Sinnott said that before the pilot program, kindergarten classes ranged up to 28 or 29 students.

"The advantages [of the reduced class sizes] for students are enormous," Ms Sinnott said.

"We certainly get to know them, and their learning and emotional needs, earlier in the year.

"Behavioural or emotional problems don't get lost in the crowd.

"We can work with them and their parents more closely," she added.

Ms Sinnott said it takes less time to assess all the students in the class, so you can then set about catering to the needs of the students quicker.

"We can cater for individual differences, such as having the time to extend students who are more capable."

"The class works as more of a social group with only 20," Ms Sinnott added.

"Four groups of five work better than four groups of seven or six."

Ms Sinnott highlighted a problem with the government's class sizes policy.

"Students that were in the first pilot are now in a class of 29 and finding that difficult," she said.

"Having said that, when the students were in kinder their achievement of outcomes was better than it would have been in a larger class."

"A number of current year 2s are achieving better than year 2s of two years ago," she said.

"Until it reaches K,1 and 2 we won't see the full benefit. Then the problem will be that they will go into a primary class of 28 or 29; that's the numbers game we play."

Ferncourt Public School was also involved in the pilot program so has had smaller kindergarten classes since 2003.

Teacher Jann Price said that prior to 2003 kindergarten classes probably had 25 or 26 students, but were now sitting at 20.

Ms Price said the reduced student numbers was "absolutely" beneficial.

"We pick up problems earlier and deal with them straight away," she said.

"There is more time for one-on-one, so I have a much closer relationship with the students.

"The kids are certainly more settled.

"For kids with behaviour problems, we can get on top of that straight away."

"I believe they are progressing in reading and numbers; most of the kids are achieving above the benchmark in kindy," Ms Price said.

"About 50 per cent of last year's kindergarten students are well developed in reading," she added.

Canterbury South Public School teacher Helenie Patching this year has a K-1 composite class that in the past has had student numbers in the mid-20s.

Now she has 14 kindergarten students and six year 1s.

"It's easier to get around and check their work," she said.

Ms Patching said a consequence of the lower class size in K-1 was that class sizes were now sitting on 30 in the rest of the school.

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Last Modified: 15 Nov 2005