A Leading parents' group has described a report on the controversial Exploring Masculinities programme as flawed and inadequate. The report by three academics working for the National Council for Curriculum Assessment (NCCA) found that Exploring Masculinities was not damaging young male pupils.
Ms Barbara Johnson, the spokeswoman for the Congress of Catholic Secondary School Parents' Associations (CSPA), said the report reflected the opinion of "only one of the partners in education - teachers".
"The report dismisses genuine parental concerns by saying that teachers suggest there is no evidence of potential damage to boys and young men. What qualifications do these teachers have to make such a statement or to have such a statement included and validated by this report?
"The concerns expressed by CSPA still exist. Our concerns about the reinforcement of negative stereotypes of males throughout all aspects of this programme have not been allayed.
"We call on Minister Woods to prove that parents are genuine partners in education. Suspend this programme and demand that the review committee report in an equitable manner."
The NCCA has received the preliminary draft report but a full report has yet to be completed. Dr Woods ordered the programme to be reviewed over a year ago.
The Department of Education has backed the programme, saying it is designed to "help boys to manage their feelings and communicate". However, the programme is being challenged through the courts.