An analysis of data from the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority through a searchable database at heraldsun.com.au identified the Victorian average at 13 students for every teacher, one of the best in Australia.
But the twin towns’ more populated schools boast a larger cohort than the average, with some notable exceptions.
St Mary’s School, Echuca Primary and Echuca East tallied 17.79, 17.27 and 16.04 respectively, while St Joseph’s, Echuca College and Moama Anglican Grammar registered 12.79, 12.09 and 11.08.
Medium sized schools also have slightly inflated averages, with Echuca Twin Rivers and Moama Public School recording 15.98 and 17.36.
Campaspe Cohuna Local Learning and Employment Network (CCLLEN) executive officer Anne Trickey said the state average should not be considered the standard as it is across primary and secondary, specialist schools and language campuses of all sizes.
“The average is not an ideal number but it is an indicator across the state of how schools are resourced as far as teachers go,” she said.
“I think this data is an indication that our rural schools are doing a good job.”
She also said there was a clear pattern with Echuca-Moama schools of the same type.
“I look at the primary schools in Echuca and they seem pretty consistent,” she said.
“Our secondary schools have the additional challenge of providing a wide range of subjects to relatively small student cohorts.
“Lower numbers in specialist schools is fantastic because those kids need a lot more individualised work for their education.”
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