Law may hamper course on religions in primary schools

Plans for a standalone course to teach primary pupils about world religions and ethics may be hampered by a law that gives a school patron tight control on what can be taught.

The limitations have been highlighted by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) after a consultation process that received more than 170 written submissions.

It suggests the principles proposed to be taught in an Education about Religions and Beliefs and Ethics (ERBE) programme might instead be woven into other aspects of the primary curriculum.