At a regional meeting for Principals earlier in this academic year, Miss Dane, Principal of Kilskeery Independent Christian School, was asked how the curriculum in the Christian School differs from that in State Education.
What is a Bible based curriculum? 
The Lord Jesus in His earthly ministry taught spiritual lessons in every situation and from familiar things. Remember the lessons He taught from lilies of the field, a grain of mustard seed and from the attitudes of the Pharisees. A Bible based curriculum seeks to follow the example of our Master. In every subject and lesson we seek to present and glorify God.
Not only is our curriculum Biblical in content, but it is delivered to the honour of God. Children are encouraged to do all to the glory of God, I Cor 10:31. Teachers train pupils to the very highest standard each child can attain. The external examination results obtained throughout the history of the schools are testament to the truth of this statement, as repeatedly we perform to the standard of grammar schools.
Last term a representative of a well-known and widely used educational publisher brought to Kilskeery samples of new publications for teachers to view. When staff members remarked that the level of the reading schemes on show was of a much lower standard than those we used, the representative explained that this was because children following the newest curriculum in the state system would not be ready for anything more challenging.
The curriculum is also perfectly balanced, is often very practical and cross-curricular links often add to the breadth of knowledge. Earlier this year Primary School pupils in Kilskeery studied the Linen Industry in their Geography classes. At the same time they were studying materials in Science, allowing them to look at the properties of materials like linen, and in Scripture they were studying the use of linen in the building of the Tabernacle.
There was particular excitement when the lessons reached beyond the classroom through a visit to the Linen Museum and a modem textiles firm (REACH) in Lisbum. Lessons within the classroom can also cause much excitement amongst pupils. Visits to the school laboratory were frequently requested when, as part of the study of Birds in Creation Studies, eggs were incubated and the hatched chicks were there to see.
A Bible based education will never contradict the teaching of a good Christian home, the Sabbath School teacher or the pulpit ministry. There is nothing more fitting for the child who at home and in Church is taught about the great Creator and mighty Redeemer than to be tutored in the day school using a Bible based curriculum.
As the Bible based curriculum was outlined and other State School Principals realised that the Christian Schools were not bound to follow every single trend enforced on State Schools by the Department of Education it was discernable that some of these Principals were somewhat envious of the freedom that we experience.