STUDENTS STUDYING RELIGIOUS EDUCATION INDEPENDENTLY WILL RECEIVE:
- Exceptional tuition from Ireland’s leading teachers
- 2 hours of class per week
- Weekly support with homework and projects
- Live class recordings to rewatch at any time throughout the school year until the end of the State Exams in 2027
- The Institute’s renowned exam-focused class notes
- Exam strategies – answer techniques, marking schemes and time management
The teacher for this Religious Education Studying Independently course is Nigel Conway.
Subject Topics:
The Religious Education syllabus is divided into three main units, each with specific sections:
Unit One:
Section A: The Search for Meaning and Values (Compulsory)
Students explore some of life’s biggest questions while examining religious, philosophical and secular responses to the search for meaning.
Topics include:
- The search for meaning and purpose
- Philosophy and the development of ideas
- Ancient and modern spirituality
- Religious and secular world views
- Proofs for the existence of God
- Symbols, myths and ritual
- Religion and science
- Humanism and contemporary values
Unit Two: (Students study any two of the three sections)
Section B: Christianity: Origins and Contemporary Expressions
Students examine the historical Jesus, the development of Christianity and its relevance in the modern world.
Topics include:
- Jesus and first-century Palestine
- Messianic expectations
- The Kingdom of God
- Christology
- Christian reform movements
- Christian worship and ecumenism
- Contemporary expressions of Christitanity
Section C: World Religions
Students study the beliefs, practices and traditions of the major world religions, including:
- Christianity
- Islam
- Judaism
- Hinduism
- Buddhism
Students compare religious beliefs, sacred texts, rituals, ethical teachings and the role religion continues to plat in contemporary society.
Section D: Moral Decision Making
Students investigate how moral decisions are made from both religious and secular perspectives.
Topics include:
- Conscience
- Moral reasoning
- Ethical theories
- Moral development
- Freedom and responsibility
- Contemporary moral issues
- Religious and secular approaches to ethics
Unit Three: (Students study one of four sections, as well as one of the two sections designated for coursework)
Section E: Religion and Gender
Students examine the relationship between religion and gender, exploring how religious beliefs, traditions and practices have influenced gender roles throughout history and in contemporary society.
Section F: Issues of Justice and Peace
Students explore religious and ethical perspectives on justice, peace and human dignity through issues such as poverty, discrimination, human rights, conflict resolution and environmental responsibility.
Section G: Worship, Prayer, and Ritual
Students investigate the significance of worship, prayer and ritual within religious traditions, examining how these practices express belief and strengthen faith communities.
Section H: The Bible: Literature and Sacred Text
Students study the Bible as both a sacred and literary text, exploring its formation, structure, themes, interpretation and continuing significance within Christianity.
Section I: Religion: The Irish Experience
Students examine the development of religion in Ireland, its influence on Irish society and culture, and the changing role of religion in contemporary Ireland.
Section J: Religion and Science
Students explore the relationship between religion and science by examining areas of dialogue, debate and complementarity, including the origins of the universe, the nature of human life and the ethical implications of scientific developments.
Assessment Structure:
Leaving Certificate Religious Education is assessed through two components:
Written Examination (80%)
Students complete one written examination, assessing their knowledge, understanding and ability to analyse, evaluate and apply religious concepts across the prescribed syllabus. Particular emphasis is placed on essay-writing skills, interpretation of questions and the use of evidence to support arguments.
Practical Coursework (20%)
The Practical Coursework accounts for 20% of the final Leaving Certificate grade and consists of two components:
- Part A – Summary of Investigation
- Part B – Personal Reflection
Both components are externally assessed by the State Examinations Commission. Coursework titles are prescribed annually, with candidates completing one title from either of the two designated Unit Three sections. Since 2025, all coursework has been completed using the SEC’s digital coursework booklet, and students are required to acknowledge and reference all research sources appropriately.
Our Approach
Throughout the course, students benefit from:
- Comprehensive Institute of Education notes covering every topic
- Suggested weekly homework with detailed individual feedback
- Regular topic assessments
- Continuous revision of previously covered material
- Structured essay planning and model answers
- Detailed analysis of past examination papers and marking schemes
- Explicit instruction on maximising marks using SEC assessment criteria
- Practical guidance on examination technique and time management
Our aim is not simply to teach the syllabus, but to equip students with the knowledge, confidence and examination skills needed to achieve their full potential.
Practical Coursework Support
Students completing the Practical Coursework receive structured guidance throughout the academic year.
Coursework workshops are provided for both 5th and 6th Year students following the publication of the SEC prescribed titles. During these sessions, students receive step-by-step support in:
- Selecting and interpreting the coursework title
- Planning and conducting effective research
- Evaluating reliable academic and online sources
- Structuring Part A and Part B
- Developing reflective writing skills
- Correctly referencing research and AI-generated material
- Understanding the official SEC assessment criteria and marking rubric
These dedicated workshops, together with ongoing classroom support, ensure that students approach the Practical Coursework with confidence and maximise their opportunity ot achieve the highest possible standard.
Assessment and Progress
Student progress is monitored throughout the year through:
- Suggested weekly homework
- Regular end-of-topic assessments
- A Christmas examination
- A full mock examination
- Continuous individual feedback
By combining detailed notes, structured revision, continuous assessment and extensive examination practice, students develop the confidence, knowledge and analytical skills required to achieve success in Leaving Certificate Religious Education.