Ethics Planned for Primary Students

The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment is planning to introduce new classes in ethics and religion in Primary schools. The subject will be called “religion, beliefs and ethics”. It will be separate from existing faith-based classes in denominational schools. The overall aim is to enable students to learn about the lives, values and traditions of the wider community. It will not be focussed on any one religion and will include secular beliefs. Its aim is to help children develop empathy with people of different religions and beliefs.

The ethics component will focus on enabling children to make choices and decisions with consideration for their effects on others. It will be based on the values of human dignity and freedom, and on human rights and responsibilities.

(Source: ‘Primary students to learn ethics’, Carl O’Brien, Education Editor, The Irish Times 4/11/2015).