Irish primary schools to have to teach religion under new curriculum
November 9, 2015
355 1 minute read
new “religion, beliefs and ethics” classes will be separate to existing faith-based
Primary schools will be required to set aside teaching time for new classes on religion and ethics as part of planned changes to the national curriculum.
The new “religion, beliefs and ethics” classes will be separate to existing faith-based classes in denominational schools, which typically take up about half an hour of the school day.
The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment says the curriculum is aimed at ensuring all children have the opportunity to learn about the lives, values and traditions of members of the wider community.
The council says this learning will help children develop empathy with people of diverse religions and beliefs.
In addition, the curriculum will include education in ethics, focused on making choices and decisions in a way that considers the effect on others.
This will include learning about the dignity and freedom of humans, as well as the importance of human rights and responsibilities in society.
The curriculum aim at contribute to the development of children in areas such as personal understanding, mutual understanding, character education, connection to the wider world and spiritual awareness.
