The practical subjects defined by the Department of Education, detailed in DE Circular 2004/05 (pdf) are Science, Technology and Design, Home Economics, Art and Design, Physical Education and Music.
Class sizes are governed by the Secondary School (Grant Conditions) Regulations (NI) 1973 which limits practical classes to 20 pupils.
DE Circular 2016/11 (pdf) provides flexibility in determining class sizes, where a risk assessment has been carried out, to a maximum size– see chart below.
Technology & Design 20 pupils
Music 20 pupils
Home Economics 20 pupils
Science 26 pupils (Years 8 – 10)
24 pupils (Years 11 – 12)
20 pupils (Years 13 – 14)
Art & Design 26 pupils (Years 8 – 10)
20 pupils (Years 11 – 14)
PE (Gym & Assembly Hall) 25 pupils (Years 8 – 10)
(Pitches & Sports Hall) 30 pupils (All Years)
Drama 20 pupils (All Years)
Under the Health & Safety at Work Order (NI) 1978, schools have a statutory responsibility to ensure the health and safety of all employees, visitors, and children on their premises.
If a teacher is required to teach practical classes of over 20 pupils they should, in the first instance, be provided with a signed health and safety risk assessment, carried out by a competent and trained person, clearly stating that the Board of Governors are content that any practical activities by a larger group are unlikely to present a risk.
INTO recommend that an assessor should hold one of the following qualifications.
(Further information can be obtained from: https://www.hseni.gov.uk/topics/education )
NEBOSH – National Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety
City & Guilds Level 5 NVQ (Occupational Health & Safety Practice)
BSC (British Safety Council) Level 6 Diploma (Occupational Health & Safety)
If a member is not fully satisfied with the documentation provided in regard to the risk assessment or the assessors qualifications, they should refuse to carry out any practical teaching activity and contact INTO immediately.
