Sir, - As educationists, we are deeply concerned by the ongoing negative comments on the "Exploring Masculinities" dimension of the Senior Cycle programme. In particular, we are uneasy about the dismissal of a programme concerned with key issues relating to students' personal and social development as a "doss class". Such an approach undermines a core educational value.
The mission of the Transition Year programme as a whole is to promote students' personal, social, educational and vocational development and maturity in order to prepare them for a responsible, independent, competent and fully participative role in society. One of the purposes of the "Exploring Masculinities" programme is to give boys the opportunity to examine a wide range of important issues that are significant for them during their adolescence and, later on, in adulthood. These include men's health, bullying, disability, human rights, work and careers, sport, relationships and family.
How can the critical consideration of, and reflection on, any of these matters be regarded as harmful? Are boys not as entitled as girls to explore issues relating to their own gender? - Yours, etc.,
Prof John Coolahan, Education Department, NUI, Maynooth;
Prof Sheelagh Drudy, Education Department, UCD;
Prof Gary Granville, Head of Faculty of Education, NCAD;
Dr Maureen Langanegan, Acting Head of Education Department, NUI Galway;
Dr Mona O'Moore, Head of Education Department, TCD.