Plans for a major new revamp of the primary school curriculum is moving away from the basics of education, Shane Coleman has warned.
The public is being asked for opinions on the first major revamp of the primary school curriculum in 25 years.
The draft proposals from the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment would see classes on sex, consent and different family structures and relationships introduced at a younger age.
The body has said the change is needed because children are starting school at an older age and some are experiencing puberty earlier.
The proposed new curriculum would also see foreign languages taught in primary schools at a very basic level.
There would be less time set aside for religion with more time spent on understanding other people's cultures.
School children during class at a primary school, 27/11/19. Image: PA Images / AlamyNewstalk Breakfast presenter Shane Coleman said he is concerned parts of the curriculum are being dumbed down.
"It rings alarm bells for me a little bit," he said.
"I just think we have seen a dumbing down of our education system over the last 20 years.
"We've certainly seen it in secondary school – look at the Junior Cert.
"I worry that, while it's important that the curriculum develops and changes, we're moving away from the basics of education and education for education's sake.
"In a lot of cases, a good education equips you to deal with life's challenges but are we trying to cover too many bases and falling between two stools?
Shane is worried we are “missing the basics” in our rush towards a “very right-on, touchy-feely style of education” in our schools.
'Are we just endeavouring to have a very right-on, touchy-feely style education, while missing out on the basics?' Shane and Ciara react to plans for a major new revamp of the primary school curriculum.@NTBreakfast pic.twitter.com/ejGDlTgaof
— NewstalkFM (@NewstalkFM) March 6, 2024
'A very good thing'
Fellow presenter Ciara Kelly said she welcomes plans to focus more on languages and science.
"They're going to spend less time on the patron’s denominational religion, they'll have a look at world views and world religions, but there's going to be seven hours less on religion a month," she said.
"I think that is a very good thing; more PE, I think that is a very good thing.
"My only concern about what we're doing with primary school kids is in our attempt to give kids a perfect childhood, I don't know that we're challenging them and giving them enough."
'We're not pushing them'
Ciara said young children need to build resilience in school.
"We're not pushing them and I think there is a direct consequence from that, that kids are less resilient now," she said.
"We had reasonably unsupportive school systems that were tough and cross and you got shouted at.
"I'm not suggesting that's the way to go but what I am suggesting is small, age-appropriate challenges for kids as they go along is what builds resilience.
"We have a generation of kids who are struggling at adolescent level with mental health and stress and a lack of resilience.
"We need to look at that as well, I'd like to see that in there somewhere," she added.
People can have their say on the proposed changes online and in school forums from today.
