New Curriculum for Ireland aims for tolerance and respect

A new curriculum is about to get introduced in Irish primary schools. The Council responsible for its development emphasizes its aim to give the children an opportunity to learn about the lives, values and traditions of a wider community. Instead of teaching particular religions, the curriculum is empathy and tolerance-oriented. In order to achieve this, the schools will have to set aside teaching time for classes on religion – even in non-confessional ones -, ethics, dignity and the freedom of humans as well as their rights. On one hand there are concerns of teachers and parents about an overload of the curriculum which persons in charge are aware of. On the other hand, realizing the vision of a personal understanding of the world and its relations is possible by applying these changes.

Information:
http://www.irishtimes.com/../primary-schools-to-have-to-teach-religion-under-new-curriculum

Picture: flickr.com / Andrew Towe Parkway Photography