Conditions in Australian schools, 1976

This survey is the first in a series of surveys carried out every two years since 1976 by the Australian Teachers' Federation (now the Australian Teachers' Union). The basic aim of this survey program is to gather information on the working conditions of teachers and students - the human and physical resources available - in government primary and secondary schools in all Australian states and territories. A principal or senior teacher from each school in the sample was asked to complete a questionnaire which covered the following information: numbers of students and total numbers of teachers; numbers of ancillary staff; class sizes in both primary and secondary school classes; perceived shortfalls in staffing and in relief teachers. The numbers of classrooms with various facilities (cooling, heating etc), with maintenance problems, and with occupational health difficulties (dust, glare, noise, fumes etc) were collected; in addition, the total numbers of classrooms, and purpose built areas (such as laboratories, canteens, art rooms etc) were enumerated and assessed for their adequacy in terms of school needs.