Subject Overview
Religious education in the Leaving Certificate programme calls for the exploration of issues such as meaning and value, the nature of morality, the development of diversity and belief, the principles of a just society, and the implications of scientific progress. It has a particular role to play in the curriculum in the promotion of tolerance and mutual understanding. It seeks to develop in students the skills needed to engage in meaningful dialogue with those of other or of no religious traditions.
Content
Leaving Certificate religious education can be studied at Ordinary or Higher level. The course consists of three units.
Unit One
Section A - The search for meaning and values
Unit Two
Any two of:
Section B - Christianity : Origins and contemporary expressions
Section C - World religions
Section D - Moral decision-making
Unit Three
Any one of the following (excluding the two sections designated for coursework)
Section E - Religion and gender
Section F - Issues of justice and peace
Section G - Worship, prayer and ritual
Section H - The Bible: literature and sacred text
Section I - Religion: the Irish experience
Section J - Religion and science
Assessment
Leaving Certificate religious education is assessed at Ordinary and Higher level. There are two assessment components:
| | Ordinary level | Higher level |
|---|
| Examination paper | 80% | 80% |
| Coursework | 20% | 20% |
The State Examinations Commission issues a list of topics for coursework at the beginning of each academic year.
Current status
The Leaving Certificate religious education syllabus was introduced in September 2003 and was examined for the first time in June 2005.
Documentation
Leaving Certificate Religious Education Syllabus
Siollabas Oideachais Reiligiúin na hArdteistiméireachta
Related links
State Examinations Commission
Leaving Certificate Religious Education Support Service
Scoilnet