Smaller class sizes key

During my career in teaching in the primary and intermediate sectors I have experienced class sizes from 24 to 36.

Teaching and learning in a class of 24 is quite different to that experienced in a class of 30+. In a class of 24, the relationships are richer, the individual attention is greater, and there is more opportunity to have fun with the teaching and learning.

These are vital attributes for successful learning and achievement, and, incidentally, largely what gets kids to school.

New Zealand education is being presented with an opportunity; the opportunity to reduce class sizes and gain the benefit, over time, of better attendance and higher achievement.

With poor attendance since the pandemic, and lowering achievement levels compared to others in the OECD, this is an opportunity waiting to be taken. Mary O’Regan, Lower Hutt