Some classes too big, PPTA says

Secondary school teachers say some of their classes are too big and want them limited to a maximum of 30 students.

The Post-Primary Teachers Association (PPTA) surveyed more than 1000 teachers and found the average class size was 22.5 but more than one in 10 had more than 30.

Education Minister Trevor Mallard said he had not received a request from the PPTA about ensuring smaller class sizes, and did not expect to get one.

"I think it's probably one that they will be making of their principal colleagues, who are part of their own organisation," he said on National Radio.

"I think sometimes if you have definite numbers you can end up with illogical situations. We leave it to individual schools to work through."

Mr Mallard said about 1700 extra teachers had been put into the secondary school system, above roll growth, and they had made a big difference to teacher work loads.

- NZPA