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)
- Overview: This section explores fundamental questions about existence, purpose, and the nature of values. It examines philosophical and religious perspectives on life’s meaning and the values that guide human behaviour.
Unit Two: (Students study any two of the three sections)
Section B: Christianity: Origins and Contemporary Expressions
- Overview: This section delves into the historical roots of Christianity, its development, and how it is expressed in contemporary society. Topics include the life of Jesus, the spread of Christianity, and its impact on culture and society.
Section C: World Religions
- Overview: This section provides a comparative study of major world religions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, Judaism, and Christianity. It looks at their beliefs, practices, and how they shape the lives of the adherents.
Unit Three: (Students study one of four sections, as well as one of the two sections designated for coursework)
Section E: Religion and Gender
- Overview: This section explores the role of gender in religious traditions and how religious beliefs and practices influence gender roles and identities. It looks at contemporary issues and historical developments.
Section F: Issues of Justice and Peace
- Overview: This section examines religious and ethical perspectives on justice and peace. Topics include human rights, social justice, conflict resolution, and the role of religion in promoting peace.
Section G: Worship, Prayer, and Ritual
- Overview: This section investigates the various forms of worship, prayer, and ritual across different religions. It explores their significance, purpose, and the impact they have on individuals and communities.
Section H: The Bible: Literature and Sacred Text
- Overview: This section focuses on the Bible as both a literary and sacred text. It examines its structure, themes, and the different ways it has been interpreted and used throughout history.
Section I: Religion: The Irish Experience
- Overview: This section explores the unique religious landscape of Ireland, including the history and development of religious traditions in the country, their influence on Irish culture, and contemporary religious issues in Ireland.
Section J: Religion and Science
- Overview: This section examines the relationship between religion and science, including historical and contemporary dialogues. Topics include the origins of the universe, the nature of human life, and ethical implications of scientific advancements.
Assessment Structure:
Higher Level:
- Written Paper: 1 Paper – 80% of marks
- Project: 1 Paper – 20% of marks
Ordinary Level:
- Written Paper: 1 Paper – 80% of marks
- Project: 1 Paper – 20% of marks
Components:
- Coursework: Extended essay on a topic provided by the DES. The two sections of the Leaving Cert syllabus selected for the coursework are Section E: Religion and Gender and Section H: The Bible and Sacred Text.
- Terminal Written Paper: Comprehensive exam covering selected units.
Course Levels: The syllabus is offered at both Ordinary and Higher levels. Each year, two sections from Unit Three are designated for coursework by the State Examinations Commission (SEC).
The preparation for the course work commences late in the first term of the second year of classes (Academic year 2027-28). Students will be guided through this project. Some classwork time will be dedicated to this, both for general instruction and for student questions, there will also be a number of onsite workshops to support students preparing for their projects. These occasional onsite workshops are scheduled on weekends, in consultation with the attending students.
Notes and Homework
Extensive notes are provided to students. These notes are for use throughout the course and are a useful revision tool.
Assessment
Homework is assigned and graded weekly, with individual feedback provided before each class.
End-of-topic assessments are regularly scheduled. Student progress is closely monitored to ensure ongoing skill development is progressing at the appropriate rate.
A Christmas assessment test and mock exam will also be scheduled which students can complete in-person or online.