Dear Reader,
We are main contributors to initial primary teacher education across various regions of our country and have considerable experience in teaching about the spectrum of Patrons’ Programmes incorporated within the acknowledged primary curriculum. Contrary to the assertions in the recent article, “Sex education to be taught at an earlier age under new primary school curriculum”, education reflective of denominations is not just limited to a particular curricular field or programme but encompasses the entire educational scheme. Indeed, this is equally pertinent for multi and non-denominational education.
It is imperative to understand that the Patrons’ Programme is an officially recognised nomenclature and is not narrowly confined to denominational instruction. Merely to expound, the Patrons’ Programmes come in manifold forms. For instance, Catholic schools use the “Grow in Love” programme, whereas schools under the patronage of the Church of Ireland, Methodist, and Presbyterian establishments use “Follow Me”, Community National Schools teach the programme “Goodness Me Goodness You”, and “Learn Together” is used in Educate Together Schools.
In the mentioned article, the impression was given that the inclusion of “learning about religions, beliefs, and worldviews” is a novel idea and it would be given precedence over the subject matter included in the Patrons’ Programmes in the forthcoming curriculum. However, in truth, comprehension about religions, beliefs, and worldviews already constitute a vital aspect of religious education and ethical/multi-belief and valuational education in Irish primary school settings. It is yet to be defined how this element of societal and environmental education will be embraced within the ambit of school principles and/or the Patron’s Programmes.
Yours faithfully,
Dr. Vivek da Silva,
Dr. Anne-Marie Kavanagh,
Dr. David Kennedy,
Dr. Jones Irwin,
Dr. Niamh Guirk,
Dr. Jacqui Wilkinson,
Dublin City University Institute of Education;
Dr. Fiona Dineen,
Dr. Maurice Harmon,
Dr. Patricia Kieran,
Dr. Daniel O’Connell,
Mary Immaculate College,
Limerick.
Dr. Aiveen Mullally of Marino Institute of Education, alongside Dr. Cora O’Farrell, the Director of Mater Dei Centre for Catholic Education at Dublin City University, Reverend Dr. John-Paul Sheridan of St Patrick’s Pontifical University, Maynooth, and Reverend Canon Professor Anne Lodge, the Director of The Church of Ireland Centre at DCU Institute of Education, admit that the modern-day faith-based education system is far removed from the “religious evangelism” that David Graham of Education Equality accuses it of.
Proponents argue that the time devoted to religious education per week doesn’t actually amount to the official 2.5 hours. On some weeks, a single 30-minute lesson on religion is all that is provided, and usually there are only two or three classes lasting between 15 and 20 minutes.
They also point out that Graham’s notion that children not participating in religious activities are merely “twiddling their thumbs” is far from the truth. These pupils, during such times, are busy with alternative educational activities.
The religious educators also highlight an existing desire amongst them for sacramental preparation to be moved outside of school, indicating an overcrowded curriculum. The belief is that removal of religion from schools could be beneficial, citing many parents and students as being religious for the sake of having a label. This letter was penned by Dee Delany, a resident of Raheny, Dublin 5.