What’s the talk of education
RESPONSE TO THE PARENT WHO EXPRESSED FRUSTRATION WITH HER CATHOLIC BOARD OF MANAGEMENT
Welcome to the wonderful world of Irish primary schools! - @John33Maguire
The parent here most likely would have declared themselves a practising Catholic to enrol their child. It is not strange then to be asked to observe the custom (both harmless and well-meaning) of participating in an opening prayer. Seems over-sensitive to me and makes me very sceptical of the subsequent complaints. – the-bag, broadsheet.ie
They needn't necessarily have declared themselves as practising Catholics – the Catholic national schools are obliged to take some non-Catholic children as there is not enough multi-denominational schools. They put them at the bottom of waiting lists (in some schools) and fail to provide any alternative at Catholic religious instruction time. – mj, broadsheet.ie
I had the misfortune to be a member of an Educate Together BOM and my experience was much worse than that of the writer. The principal was a bully and because the patron body was controlled by parents, there were no independent/ outside members who could challenge the bully. My complaints went unheeded so I resigned, completely disillusioned too. So be careful what you wish for. – Wise after the event, broadsheet.ie
PATRONAGE FOR NEW PRIMARY SCHOOLS ANNOUNCED
Delighted to hear @educatetogether has been awarded patronage of 5 out of 7 new primary schools; diversity so important for 21st century Ireland. - @emilymfg
Good to see that some choice is starting to come into the system. – Cato, politics.ie
It is a start. Very interesting that there is an element of consultation of parents referred to in there. One constant squeal from the religiously persuaded is that any objectors should go and start their own schools – ignoring the fact that schools are a local resource and should not be policed by one group in that community. A lot of parents are silently bullied away from wanting Educate Together or non-denominational schools in the same way that they are silently bullied into appearing in churches for months before trying to get little Seanie into the nearest school which has admissions criteria which include Catholic observances.
– LamportsEdge, politics.ie
There is nothing against the principles of Catholicism in choosing to educate one's children in the same school as children of other backgrounds. It does, however, place a greater emphasis on parents to provide more religious education at home. The Government and the Minister are to be applauded in giving parents a choice that has been denied to them for so long. – White Horse, politics.ie
HOW QUALIFIED IS YOUR LECTURER?
A PhD does not make you a good teacher, but it is a good starting qualification to work in this sector. There are also excellent teachers who do not have a PhD and are doing a great job – many have a lot of experience outside of academia that will add greatly to a learning experience for students. The trick is to get the mix right.- eugeneoloughlin.com
Qualifications mean nothing if you can’t teach! – @DrM4ScienceGrinds
