19 Sep '17

UCLL expands religion choices in education studies

Summary

The Leuven-Limburg University College is the first in Flanders to offer so many options in the religion section of teaching studies, which should encourage more students to enrol, it said

Removing barriers

Students enrolled in education studies this year at the Catholic University College Leuven Limburg (UCLL) will learn about multiple religions, not just about Catholicism, as was the case previously. The changes create the most extensive offer of religious teaching in a Catholic university college’s education programme in Flanders.
 

The additional courses include Islam, Buddhism, Protestantism and ethics. The future teachers can choose any religion on offer as a full course, which will allow them to become specialised. Following Islam, for instance, would make them qualified to work in Islamic schools.

“Students will also get a general course on religions and ideologies in the first year,” UCLL general director Marc Vandewalle told VRT. According to Vandewalle, most teachers will still go on to work in a Roman Catholic school. “But society has changed, and we want future teachers to come in contact with other religions in an open environment.”

UCLL made the changes because of some students reported not feeling comfortable enrolling in teaching studies because of the obligation to take a course on the Catholic religion. “We hope we have now removed this barrier,” said Vandewalle.

About half of the university colleges in Flanders started the new academic year yesterday.
Photo courtesy UCLL

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Educational system

The Flemish educational system is divided into two levels: primary (age six to 12) and secondary school (12 to 18). Education is compulsory for children between the ages of six and 18.
Types - There are three educational networks in Flanders: the Flemish Community’s GO! network, and publicly funded education – either publicly or privately run.
Not enough space - In recent years, Flemish schools have been struggling with persistent teacher shortages and a growing lack of school spaces.
No tuition fees - Nursery, primary and secondary school are free in Flanders.
1

million school-going children in 2013

30

million euros Flemish education budget for new school infrastructures in 2013

11

percent of boys leaving secondary school without a diploma

  • Education in Flanders
  • Secondary education reform
  • European Encyclopaedia on National Education Systems

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