Govt hypocrisy protects small classes at private schools

30 May 2012

Government hypocrisy protects small classes at elite private schools

QPEC remains implacably opposed to any increase in class sizes at public schools despite yesterday’s backdown when schools were given the “good news” they wouldn’t lose more than two teachers.

The “good news” is appalling news because larger classes mean:

• Less individual time for each student with their teacher
• More difficulty for students to develop strong learning relationships with their teachers
• Less teacher time for students who are struggling or for children with special education needs. (This is supposed to be a key focus for this government)
• Greater stress on teachers

Prime Minister John Key and Associate Education Minister John Banks expect small class sizes for their own children at Kings College where the school “philosophy” says:

"Class sizes are limited and our policy of a low pupil-to-teacher ratio ensures students are given greater individual attention in the classroom".

However while preaching austerity for the 96% of children who attend public schools the government has protected these small class sizes for the 4% attending private schools – which includes the children of more than half our cabinet ministers.

Government subsidies to private schools increased by 22.3% in 2010 and over 20% in each of the following two years to almost double in the first three years of John Key’s National government.

It’s hypocritical for the government to preach austerity at public schools but lavish funding on private schools where they disproportionately send their own children.

QPEC is urging the government to abandon its plans to increase class sizes.

ENDS

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