Irish Vocational Education Association

An Cumann Gairmoideachais in Éirinn

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Smaller Second Level Schools will not Cope with a further increase In Pupil Teacher Ratio
05 November 2010
The Irish Vocational Education Association (IVEA) is most concerned at media reports that the Government is contemplating a further increase in the pupil teacher ratio (PTR) at second level.
IVEA General Secretary Michael Moriarty states:
Following last year's PTR increase, many of our smaller second level schools are barely coping with the need to provide basic subject choices to their students. A large number of these schools are rural based and would not be able to absorb the increase in the pupil teacher ratio which would cause the loss of further teachers.
The reality is that there is no flesh left on the bones. If further subjects are to be cut from the curriculum, this would certainly affect access to higher education. Many of our schools tell us they could not cope with a further PTR increase, and ultimately it would be the students who would suffer.
The Irish Vocational Education Association (IVEA) is the representative body for the 33 Vocational Educational Committees (VECs) in Ireland, and works to protect, promote and enhance the interests of vocational education and training within the wider education sector and the country at large.
VECs deliver a wide range of educational services, from managing community national schools, second-level schools and colleges, Post Leaving Certificate colleges (PLCs) and education centres to providing training programmes for Travellers, adult literacy courses, prisoner education services, Youthreach programmes, Vocational Training Opportunities Schemes, and community education programmes.
VEC PLCs have developed a range of programmes and courses in response to the needs of industry and commerce which are certified by FETAC at levels 3 to 6, and by the professional bodies which set standards for entry into the professions.
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