A critical analysis of the form 1 catholic religious education in the light of the new national curriculum framework

Abstract

In this dissertation, I will critically analyse the principle, methods and content of the new Religious Education syllabus for Form 1 students as well as the new textbook. I intend to verify to what extent all students will be included and respected in this subject. In the first part of this dissertation, the Maltese Educational system and its ability to be inclusive will be examined. Religious Education is mentioned in detail together with its historical legal background. The elements of inclusion in the diocesan Policy Document will be discussed in the light of the literature of inclusive education. The importance of differentiated learning and the Adaptive Religious Education (A.R.E.) method will also be tackled. The second part includes the criteria for choosing a qualitative methodology with thematic analysis. This will be explained together with its procedures. Finally four documents and the data that emerged from five in-depth interviews will be analysed. The last part consequently deals with the recommendations to comprise inclusive practices in schools so that all Form 1 students will be reached during Religious Education lessons.