1. 1 Introduction to Leaving Certificate Religious Education

2. 2 Why Introduce Leaving Certificate R.E? It is a follow through from Junior Certificate It has a practical component that will aid weaker students especially The techniques for coursework are similar to third level work. Therefore it is good preparation for third level study It has the same points value as other subjects: A1 = 100 points A2 = 90 B1 = 85 B2 = 80 etc There are life issues that students can explore It is relevant to all professions There is a syllabus and a curriculum framework to help teachers deal with the question of examined and non-examined Religious Education

3. 3 Statistics Numbers of candidates entered for examination:200520072011 805351086 The figures above represent a major increase in the numbers of candidates sitting the examination since 2005.

4. 4 The figures below show the numbers taking the exam at Higher and Ordinary level:200520072011 76417888 Higher Level4118198 Ordinary Level

5. 5 2011 LCRE % of Higher Level As, Bs, Cs Religious Education 77.3 English76.8 Business Studies 71.3

6. 6 Aims of Religious Education To foster an awareness that the human search for meaning is common to all peoples, of all ages and at all times To explore how this search for meaning has found, and continues to find expression in religion To identify how understandings of God, religious traditions, and in particular the Christian tradition, have contributed to the culture in which we live and continue to have an impact on personal lifestyle, inter-personal relationships and relationships between individuals and their communities and contexts To appreciate the richness of religious traditions and to acknowledge the non-religious interpretation of life To contribute to the spiritual and moral development of the student Leaving Certificate Religious Education Syllabus, p5

7. 7 Leaving Certificate Religious Education 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

8. 8 Each syllabus section includes Aims – Setting out the broad purpose of each section and how each section is related to the overall aims of the syllabus Parts – each of which contains: Objectives: indicating the direction from which the content should be approached Topics: Presenting the areas of study Description of Content and Learning Outcomes: Indicating the expected depth and breadth of engagement with the topics When planning a programme of study all four aspects of each section need to be considered

9. 9 Textbooks: Currently only 1 series of textbooks by Veritas Teacher Materials: Notes from R.E. Support Service Into the Classroom Series, Veritas Websites: www.ress.iewww.ress.ie www.examinations.ie www.ncca.ie www.curriculumonline.ie www.ncte/rtai.ie www.education.dublindiocese.ie www.wikipedia.orgwww.wikipedia.org (exercise caution…!) Other websites mentioned in Guidelines e.g. www.mythicalireland.comwww.mythicalireland.com www.philosophypages.com Publication: RESS publication called ‘Teaching Religious Education’ Irish Times materials / archive: www.ireland.comwww.ireland.com Literature / libraries / religious magazines / RTAI conferences / newspapers

10. 10 What is assessed in LCRE? ‘Assessment of religious education in the Leaving Certificate examination will be based on the aims, objectives, and outcomes of each section of the course. Students’ personal faith commitment and / or affiliation to a particular religious grouping will not be subject to assessment for examination for national certification’ Leaving Certificate Religious Education Syllabus p9

11. 11 Differentiation: Ordinary and Higher Level All material in red print in the syllabus must be studied by students taking the examination at Ordinary and Higher Level. Further sections of the syllabus for higher-level students are designated in black type.

12. 12 Assessment of LCRE Two Components: Coursework & Terminal written paper Marks for coursework and written examination will be combined to constitute the final grade awarded 400 marks shall be awarded in total Leaving Certificate Religious Education Syllabus p10

13. 13 Terminal examination At Ordinary and Higher levels, all sections of the course, apart from the sections designated for coursework, will appear on the examination paper. The higher level paper will be allocated 2 ½ hours. The ordinary level paper will be allocated 2 hours. Leaving Certificate Religious Education Syllabus p10

14. 14 Leaving Certificate Religious Education Aims of Coursework To allow students an opportunity for personal engagement on an issue of interest or concern To develop students’ knowledge, understanding, skills and attitudes as outlined in the objectives of the section designated for coursework To provide an opportunity for students to engage in extended research, analysis and reflection on a chosen topic To develop skills of research, analysis, evaluation, critical thinking, communication and reflection NCCA Religious Education Leaving Certificate Guidelines for Teachers Page 142

15. 15 Coursework The inclusion of coursework as an element of the assessment procedure for religious education in the Leaving Certificate examination arises from the nature of the subject. Students at this level should be afforded an opportunity to engage in extended reflection, research and analysis. The results of this process will be submitted for assessment. In each year of the Leaving Certificate examination, two sections from unit three of the syllabus will be designated for coursework. The same sections will be designated for Ordinary and Higher level. A list of titles for coursework from each section will be made available. Students must submit ONE piece of coursework. 20% of the total mark will be awarded on the basis of coursework. Leaving Certificate Religious Education Syllabus p10

16. 16 Marks for coursework: Part A 10% (40 marks) Part B 10% (40 marks) Maximum marks in total for LCRE: Terminal examination: 320 Coursework: 80 Total: 400

17. 17 Coursework - What is the student expected to produce? Coursework booklet (sent from SEC) in two parts: Part A - A summary of the students’ investigation of the title Part B - The student’s personal reflection on the learning, skills and experience gained through undertaking coursework Format : Hand-written (unless reasonable accommodation applies) NCCA Religious Education Leaving Certificate Guidelines for Teachers Page 143

18. 18 Part A: A summary of the student’s investigation of the chosen title The coursework booklet to date has required students to address the following three areas in this summary: An indication of the sources of information that you used e.g. web based materials, literature, and other sources An outline of the steps you took and the skills you used in investigating your chosen title A summary of your findings on your chosen title

19. 19 Part B: the student’s personal reflection on the learning, skills and experience gained through undertaking coursework. Part B should include answers to the following: Why was the title of interest to you? What different perspectives did you encounter in doing coursework on your chosen title? What questions arose for you through doing coursework on this title? What personal insights have you gained through doing coursework on this title? What has been the most valuable part of doing coursework on this title?

20. 20 Length of coursework Ordinary Level 1,000 – 1,500 words Higher Level 1,200 – 1,500 words NCCA Religious Education Leaving Certificate Guidelines for Teachers Page 143

21. 21 Coursework Criteria for assessment of ordinary level and higher level The higher level student will be expected to: use a greater range of sources of information in completing the research component of the coursework show a greater depth of understanding of the title and approach it from a variety of perspectives show a greater capacity to reflect personally and critically on the learning gained through coursework NCCA Religious Education Leaving Certificate Guidelines for Teachers p143

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