Identity, Multi-Beliefs, and Values Education (IMBVE) is an innovative curriculum at the heart of ETB schools’ ethos, aiming to provide students with a unique educational experience in Community Colleges, Community Special Schools, and Hospital Schools. IMBVE represents a dynamic expression of the ETBI Patrons’ Framework on Ethos (2022), in line with the ETB core values. But what exactly does it cover? In this blog, Niall Mulpeter who is the Educational Policy and Development Officer with Education and Training Boards Ireland (ETBI), explains.
What is IMBVE?
IMBVE is a Junior Cycle programme designed to engage students for 100 hours, reflecting Domain 7 of the ETBI Patrons’ Framework. The curriculum invites students to explore the values shaping their lives, fostering critical reflection on personal identity, belonging, and the diversity of beliefs in society. By engaging with this curriculum, students gain a better understanding of themselves and their communities while developing respect for different perspectives.
Why was IMBVE Developed?
IMBVE was developed to give life to the core values underpinning ETB schools, ensuring these principles are tangibly integrated into students’ educational experiences. The programme addresses the need for a structured approach to teaching about values, beliefs, and identity in a manner that respects religious and non-religious worldviews. By doing so, it supports students in navigating a complex, multicultural world with confidence, empathy, and a strong sense of self.
How was IMBVE Developed?
The development of IMBVE was a collaborative effort guided by an expert advisory committee. A thorough consultation process included focus groups with parents, teachers, students, and school leaders, ensuring that the curriculum reflects the needs and aspirations of all stakeholders; St Catherine’s Vocational School in Killybegs was involved in this consultation. This inclusive approach led to a robust and meaningful specification designed to resonate with students’ learning needs.
What Does IMBVE Cover?
The IMBVE curriculum is structured into three interconnected strands, each playing a vital role in shaping students’ learning and development:
1. Exploring Our Values
Students critically reflect on values and their influence on personal and societal behaviour. This strand deepens understanding of themselves, their school, and their broader role in the world, while promoting respectful dialogue and appreciation for diverse perspectives.
2. Fostering Identity and Belonging
This strand supports students in developing a positive sense of individual and collective identity. Students reflect on who they are, the importance of belonging, and how to create inclusive environments where everyone feels valued and connected.
3. Appreciating Diversity of Religions and Beliefs
Students explore religious and non-religious worldviews, developing literacy around diverse belief systems. This strand emphasizes understanding and appreciation for the diversity of beliefs within local and global contexts.
Implementation and Support
IMBVE was piloted in 44 ETB post-primary schools during the 2023–2024 academic year, engaging 82 teachers in its initial roll-out. This included five Donegal ETB schools – the Abbey Vocational School, Gairmscoil Chú Uladh, Deele College, St. Catherine’s Vocational School and Coláiste Eoghain). The pilot has since expanded to 61 schools in 2024–2025, with ongoing support provided to teachers through continuous professional development (CPD). Resources include screencasts, online training days, and face-to-face workshops that focus on teaching, learning, and assessment strategies, supporting teachers in the enactment of this specification.
What Does IMBVE Aim to Achieve?
At its core, IMBVE seeks to develop students’ knowledge, understanding, skills, attitudes, and values in a way that prepares them for life in a diverse and interconnected society. It enables students to reflect on their own identities, engage with different perspectives, and build meaningful relationships in their communities. By fostering inclusivity and empathy, IMBVE equips young people to make thoughtful choices and positive contributions to the world around them.
Through IMBVE, ETB schools empower students to grow as confident, respectful, and well-rounded individuals, ready to navigate the complexities of modern life while staying true to their values and beliefs and those values that are the pillar of their school community.