Department monitors resources and curriculum provision at Muslim school

THE Department of Education is monitoring the provision of religious and other education at a Muslim school in Dublin following concerns raised by inspectors.

The North Dublin Muslim National School Project has been the subject of concerns raised by the Irish National Teachers Organisation (INTO) about resources and curriculum provision for its pupils.

Among the issues being examined by the department is the question of timetabling and whether too much time was being allocated to teaching of the Koran, which Department of Education inspectors found was being taught for 45 minutes a day. Although the primary curriculum provides for half an hour of religious tuition a day, it does not preclude extra time being allocated.

“We have no difficulty with the teaching of Islam and we support the right of parents to educate their children according to their own belief and faith,” said INTO general secretary John Carr.

“What is at issue is the right of children to have access to the full curriculum in a properly resourced high-quality school environment with fully-qualified staff.”

The union had raised concerns with the school board and the Department of Education over the last two years about the qualifications of staff. However, since last month the school has had a properly qualified principal appointed and all 11 teaching staff now hold relevant teaching qualifications.

A shortage of resources for teaching aids had also concerned the union but it said some resources have been provided this month to address the issue.

The school has not responded to reports of poor curricular provision and resource management but it is expected that it might issue a statement later this week.

The Department of Education would not comment on the situation but it is understood an inspector has visited the school a number of times in the past year and since it reopened last month.

A spokesperson said the department would always be concerned that children should receive the primary curriculum in as broad a format as possible.

“Schools do have flexibility in relation to ethos and the department recognises the right of different church authorities to design curricula in religions education and to supervise their teaching and implementation,” she said. “The content of the religion programme is determined by the patron of the school.

“The question of having a core common religious education programme is a matter for school patrons,” she said.