Subject summary
Leaving Certificate religious education promotes tolerance and mutual understanding. It is a broad course which seeks to develop the skills needed to engage in meaningful dialogue with those of other or of no religious traditions.
Why study ?
R.E. can help develop and enrich you as a person as you learn to:
- understand and grow in appreciation for the variety of religious traditions in Ireland and globally
- engage with the secular response to human experience
- reflect on your human experience so that you can begin to understand and interpret that experience
- participate in your own conscious and critical development
- develop tolerance and mutual understanding
- engage in meaningful dialogue with people of other and of no religious traditions
- grow personally, holistically, spiritually, morally and academically
- develop an informed and critical understanding of the Christian tradition in its origins and contemporary expressions
Course Content
Syllabus Structure
UNIT 1
Section A: The Search for Meaning and Values (Compulsory)
UNIT 2
(any 2 sections from UNIT 2)
Section B: Christianity: origins and contemporary expressions
Section C: World Religions
Section D: Moral Decision-Making
UNIT 3
(Any 1 of the following, excluding the 2 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
Exam Structure
20% of the assessment grade in R.E. is awarded for Coursework.
80% is awarded for performance in the terminal examination.
Coursework involves the student choosing one of four prescribed titles for extended research. Coursework is submitted prior to the terminal examination.
Coursework has two parts:
Part A :
A summary of your investigation of the chosen title.
Part B:
Your personal reflection on the learning, skills and experience gained through undertaking coursework.
The terminal examination is 2½ hours for higher level, 2 hours for ordinary level.
Candidates must answer questions from 4 sections of the course.
Higher level candidates should be able to write extended / essay style answers.
Ordinary level candidates should be able to write more paragraph style answers.
Career Possibilities
Students who have studied R.E. at Leaving Certificate level have learned to be:
- Independent, critical thinkers
- Open-minded, balanced, informed and objective
- Focused yet aware of a variety of perspectives
- Excellent at research and analysis
- Skilled communicators
- Able to analyse issues, trends and problems
- Unbiased and grounded in inquiry skills
These qualities are valued in a vast number of jobs and professions. They have particular relevance for those interested in a career in the fields of education, teaching (primary and post primary), law, journalism, Human Resources, administration and many other occupations.