Proposals to change teaching of religion

A radical change to the teaching of religion and time set aside for faith formation could be on the way for primary schools.

The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) is finalising proposals on the time given to different subject areas at primary level. A key consideration has been the ‘patron’s time’ allocated within the school day, which current guidelines recommend should include half an hour for religion, or two-and-a-half hours a week.

The NCCA also has to weigh up the additional time, required since 2011, to be dedicated to literacy and numeracy, as well as evidence of overload while competing interests seek placement for time in the school day.