THE public is being asked to express their attitudes on how religion should be taught to primary school pupils in the Republic.
The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA), which advises the education minister, has published a consultation paper on a proposed new curriculum, called Education about Religions and Beliefs (ERB) and Ethics, to be taught in all primary classrooms.
Over 90 per cent of schools in the Republic are currently under the patronage of the Catholic Church, with religious studies being taught for up to two and a half hours every week, including preparation for Confirmation and Holy Communion.
However, the ERB and Ethics curriculum would reflect the changes in Irish society, including the growing diversity of pupils’ cultural, religious and ethnic backgrounds.
The NCCA said the proposed new curriculum was being geared towards ensuring every primary school child would be provided with the opportunity to learn about and understand “the lives, values and traditions of friends, classmates and members of the wider community”.
The consultation process is set to continue into next spring, with teachers and parents being encouraged to give their views.
“We will be engaging with a range of audiences including: teachers, schools, parents, children, educational partners, patrons, children’s advocacy groups and other members of the general public,” the body said.
