Religion ‘should be moved out of the classroom’

RELIGION should only be taught outside school hours, according to the findings of one of the biggest public surveys on education in three decades.

The survey, carried out for the Department of Education, found that 50% of those surveyed believed schools should be non-denominational and religious instruction should only be allowed outside school hours.

The survey found 35% disagreed with this proposition, while 15% didn’t know.

The study also found seven out of 10 people are in favour of some form of school league table.

They believe there should be public access to Junior and Leaving Certificate results and the numbers of students that go to third level from each school.

However, 75% also believe that information should be available about the improvement in students’ achievements during their period in school, which would give the best measure of a school’s academic performance.

The public attitudes survey was carried out among 1,511 people aged 15 or more as part of the department’s Your Education System (YES) consultation process.

The findings will inform officials on future policy decisions and form part of a major report early next year.

More than two-thirds of participants said binge drinking, lack of student discipline, inadequate provision for students with learning difficulties and lack of financial support were very serious or somewhat serious problems facing schools.

The provision of extra help for those with learning difficulties was the most common selection of people when asked how to improve schools or where to increase funding.

Education Minister Mary Hanafin said: “It’s clear that issues such as discipline, support for students with learning disabilities and the development of better mechanisms for consulting parents and students are of concern.”

Among the main concerns expressed about primary schools was a belief by over 40% of those surveyed that not enough emphasis is placed on promoting students’ moral development.

At second level, one-in-nine people believe too much emphasis is placed on preparing students for exams.