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Keeping faith in the classroom THE DEBATE over faith
schools has hit the headlines again with the various groups, either for
or against, trotting out their arguments.
There’s no doubt this is still a contentious issue — and one
which provokes strong emotions.
For the record there are currently some 6,850 state-funded faith schools
in Britain at present. The majority are either Anglican or Roman Catholic
with a handful of Jewish, Muslim, Sikh, Greek Orthodox and even one Seventh
Day Adventist school.
At all other schools it is a legal obligation for children to take part
in a daily act of worship of a broadly Christian nature. Indeed only last
week the Government moved to block one headteacher’s plans to establish
Britain’s first secular school in a bid to reduce the influence
of religion inside the classroom.
The argument for the daily act of worship is that as Britain is a Christian
country it is those values which should be taught to children. Away from
that teachers are free — and, indeed, encouraged — to teach
pupils about other religions’ beliefs and ways of life.
Faith schools on the other hand generally teach only one religion. This
is where critics say they cause division. They argue allowing children
from different backgrounds to mix together creates better social cohesion
than segregating them in various schools according to their parents’
religion.
The picture is further complicated by the academic record of many faith
schools. They have repeatedly proved to be much better performers than
their rivals and are frequently the school of choice for many parents.
Even here, though, there is disagreement with opponents claiming faith
schools perform well because they cherry-pick the brightest children.
And so the discussion goes on. But surely the debate should be much simpler
than this?
At its essence faith provides a moral code. There are no recognised religions
which teach killing, theft, dishonesty or cruelty as part of acceptable
behaviour. Faith schools simply place this moral agenda in a religious
setting.
What’s more they often simply reinforce what many parents will be
teaching a child at home. If a youngster is born into a Catholic family
he will almost certainly be brought up in the Roman Catholic faith with
all that entails.
If the parents wish that to be extended to their child’s schooling
then surely they should have the right to do so.
For people to propound faith schools should be abolished to promote integration
when so many parents see them as the preferred option is social meddling
at its worst.
We should accept faith schools as a valuable part of the school system
and instead divert our attention into how we can raise education standards
for all children no matter where they are taught.
Any way, Jose?
PROBABLY the best young manager in world soccer has just been booted out
of his job (by mutual agreement, allegedly).
It comes at a time when the fortunes of the Irish team are at a pretty
low ebb and questions are being raised about Steve Staunton’s position
as manager.
Surely it’s time to start the Mourinho For Ireland campaign? All
we need to do is raise a few million quid to cover his salary and promise
him his dog will be safe. |
