Religion and education in Ireland, Europe and beyond

Ireland has seen rapid social change in recent years. There is currently a mismatch between a largely Catholic primary education system and increasing ethno-cultural and religious diversity among students and the wider population. 

Considering these changes, there is now a variety of beliefs among children in schools, yet over 90 per cent of Irish primary schools are denominational.

Schools have a crucial role to play in terms of social integration and inclusion. Drawing on data from principals, teachers, parents and pupils in 11 community national schools (multi-denominational primary schools) in Ireland, this seminar will ask the following questions:

• What do children know about other cultures and religions as a result of their primary schooling? To what extent does the stated school ethos correspond to classroom practice?
• How do primary schools encourage intercultural and inter-faith dialogue among their diverse student intake?
• What is the role of teachers and principals in exercising culturally responsive leadership and fostering inter-faith and intercultural dialogue?

While the empirical data presented focuses on Ireland, discussions will also classify a range of other European and non-European countries in how they approach the topic of religion in the classroom ranging from a compulsory subject approach to no religion in school.

It will be particularly useful for those interested in Irish education, social change and religion. 

Related links

• Centre for Learning and Life Chances in Knowledge Economies and Societies (LLAKES)
• Department of Education, Practice and Society

Image

St Oswald's Church of England Infant Scholl, Ashbourne, Robert Cutts, Flickr