Paul Keenan
Just 1% of pupils in Irish Catholic schools are choosing to opt out of Religious Education classes, according to study submissions made to the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA).
As the NCCA continues with plans for world religions to receive greater representation and coverage in schools via an Education about Religion and Beliefs (ERB) class, The Catholic Primary School Managers’ Association (CPSMA) has revealed details of a study it conducted among its 2,800 schools, which showed that far from being an issue of contention, Religious Education sees “a relatively small” number of pupils opting out and being readily accommodated in other ways.
In its submission to the NCCA process, the CPSMA warns that this working reality can only be undermined by any introduction of the new world religions curriculum, which will almost certainly see a greater proportion of Catholic pupils opting out of the ERB class.
Meanwhile, Bishop Denis Nulty of Kildare & Leighlin offered a submission on foot of a study conducted in faith schools in his diocese, showing that just 1.2% of pupils opt out of Religious Education.
“I remain convinced that the proposed education about religions and beliefs (ERB) and ethics is not the approach required for those children in faith-based schools,” the bishop said.
