Diversity in Denominational Programs

 

As part of their research into the development of a state’s approach to education about religion, beliefs and ethics, the national Council for Curriculum and Assessment in Ireland examined the approaches to religious education taken by the various patrons of Ireland’s primary or elementary schools, see here. While the merits of the  Community National Schools, the John Scottus Educational Trust and Educate Together  programs are acknowledged the programs of denominational patrons do not fare so well.

Overload -‘She cannae take any more, Captain!’ (Scotty, Star Trek)

 ‘Curriculum overload!’ the disgruntled mutterings of fed-up educators slope off across the ether. ‘They’re adding layer upon teetering layer to the  pile of documents, programmes, plans and schemes that make up the Irish primary school curriculum!’

‘What shall we do?’ We hear them say. ‘There’s no more time left in the day!’ (No, we can’t make it longer, there’s only so much any child can take.) ‘The children will have information overload, they’ll be confused, we’ll be planning  and reshaping and adapting night noon and day, something has to give!’