Hundreds respond to education bill consultation

Religious education and mobile phones in schools among areas covered

More than 90 percent of those who took part in a recent survey think alternative learning options should be made available to children or young people who have difficulty accessing education in a school environment.

It's one of a number of findings in the recently published report on the public consultation into the Education (Amendment) Bill which garnered over 500 responses.

The survey asked for views on numerous proposed law changes for the Manx education system in areas such as home schooling, religious education, admission and catchment areas as well as use of mobile phones in the classroom.

In another area covering additional education needs, 73 per cent of 491 responses believed DESC should broaden the concept of 'greater difficulty in learning' where schools must support children's additional education needs regardless of what that need is.

In the section regarding religious education, 40 per cent of respondents 'strongly disagreed' with the concept that education should be of a 'wholly Christian character' was still suitable.

Elsewhere, 35 per cent 'strongly disagreed' being 'mainly of a Christian character' was still suitable and 47 per cent thought religious education should be required by law to cover other religions and beliefs.

When it came to home education, 85 per cent of 502 responses think DESC should produce a guidance document for those who have elected to home educate or are considering it.

Furthermore, 59 per cent of 501 replies thought home-educated children which were pulled out of registering with a department school should not amount to opting out of DESC facilities and resources, including funding and provision for exams they choose to sit.

There were also a number of questions around mobile phone use in schools - of 499 responses, 55 per cent believed phone use should be banned throughout the entirety of the school day.

Meanwhile, 26 per cent thought education should include appropriate use of mobiles and should be supported where it might benefit pupils.

There were 487 responses about how mobile phone use should be managed and 60 per cent of those think there should be broader powers to seize phones if necessary whilst 36 per cent say schools should still continue to set their own policies on the matter.

You can view the full consultation report and its findings HERE.