|
myotherself -> RE: Roman Catholic Truants (5/14/2010 12:38:53 AM)
|
~FR~
Interesting topic! I very recently worked in a UK faith school (although an atheist myself) and the rules are a little different in these schools than in 'standard' state schools.
Firstly, catholic schools are viewed as being better than local state schools. Often the exam results are better, so there is a waiting list to get in to the good ones. To get in, the parent has to jump through a number of hoops, including going to church, getting references from their parish priest, and so on. They also have to sign a home/school agreement in which they agree that their child will be brought up (by the parents) and taught (by the school) in the catholic faith while they're at the school. This is allowed by the UK government, particularly because faith schools are co-funded by the religious organisation in question, often to a large degree.
In addition, in faith schools it is mandatory for students to study Religious Education to GCSE (I've worked in Church of England and Catholic schools). The parents must agree to this. RE these days does not just cover the standard religions. It is intended to equip the child with a broad understanding (and hopefully tolerance/acceptance) of other faiths, as well as helping them to understand wider issues of citizenship.
What this girl's mother did was to renege on that agreement, and refuse her child an important experience which is part of a GCSE qualification. She wants to use the system to get her kid into a better school, but unfortunately once her kid is in the school, she starts back-tracking. I can only assume that in that household, the teenager rules the roost.
|
|
|
|
