In the non-denominational ethics course in the Primary School, the pedagogical area must be conducive to:

  • reflection on situations experienced or alluded to;
  • considered expression of one's own opinions and attentive and respectful listening to the opinions of others as well as responding to their contribution to the discussion;
  • discovery and practice of positive behaviour and of values;
  • translation of values into principles guiding behaviour, attitudes and words;
  • the practice of democracy and measures to ensure respect for the rights of every living being;
  • participation in humanitarian and ecological operations connected with current events;
  • awareness of belonging to communities of life and thought;
  • discovery of the meaning of festivals, their rituals and their symbolism;
  • curiosity about traditions and beliefs in other communities and cultures;
  • formation of the personality through everything which gives meaning to life.

With the non-denominational ethics course, the child therefore engages in a never-ending personal search, free of any dogmatism, for:

  • his/her place and role in the family, group and society;
  • values and principles which will guide his/her acts, thoughts, life choices;
  • answers to existential questions about which he/she will wonder throughout his/her life.

Methodological Approach 
Based on the principles set out above, the pedagogical sequences should inductively:

  • start from concrete situations presented using the widest variety of aids;
  • isolate the problem situation which is the subject of the sequence;
  • open up a discussion area;
  • evolve a principle;
  • seek out other comparable situations, imagine different scenarios;
  • provide an opportunity to put into the practice the principles evolved.

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