Paul Givan urges teachers to help draft new religious education syllabus

Stormont’s Education Minister has appealed for teachers to help develop a new religious education curriculum.

Paul Givan has opened expressions of interest for a drafting group to play a “central role” in designing a new syllabus for pupils from Foundation Stage to Key Stage 4.

A Supreme Court judgment last year ruled that the provision of Christian religious education at schools in Northern Ireland does not comply with human rights standards.

The court upheld an appeal brought by a pupil at a Belfast school and her father and reinstated an earlier court ruling that the teaching of RE and collective worship breaches human rights as it does not approach the subject in an “objective, critical and pluralist manner”.

Responding to that judgment, Mr Givan said Christianity will “remain central to the syllabus” and he anticipates bringing forward new regulations this autumn, with a new programme to be implemented from September 2027.

Mr Givan said it is “essential that the new RE syllabus is developed by those who know our students best and who are experts in delivering the subject”.

“I want teachers’ experience, insight and creativity to be at the heart of this work,” he said.

“This is a unique opportunity for teachers to influence curriculum reform, collaborate with peers and experts across the education system, and help prepare a syllabus that is rigorous, inclusive and equips our children and young people for future learning and citizenship.

“I hope teachers from across Northern Ireland will consider applying and playing their part in this important work.”

Up to 10 teachers, five from primary and five from post-primary, will be appointed to the drafting group, which will be led by Professor Noel Purdy OBE, director of research and scholarship at Stranmillis University College and Joyce Logue, former principal of Long Tower Primary School.

Prof Purdy said teachers bring “invaluable insight into how religious education is experienced in the classroom every day”.

“Their expertise will be essential as we work together to develop a syllabus that is thoughtful, balanced and relevant to young people growing up in a modern and diverse society.

“I would encourage any teacher with a passion for RE to consider applying.”