IE · Subject guide
Religious Education
Leaving Certificate Religious Education (NCCA specification), Higher and Ordinary Level, with the SEC examination.
01 · Overview
Religious Education
Leaving Certificate Religious Education (NCCA specification), Higher and Ordinary Level, with the SEC examination.
- Subject guide
- Leaving Certificate
- Topics mapped
- 10
02 · Complete topic map
Complete topic map
Every topic recorded for this subject in the curriculum is reproduced below in its full hierarchy. The descriptions reflect the mapped scope without implying additional exam rules.
- 01
Section A: The Search for Meaning and Values
Compulsory introductory section exploring the human search for meaning, the experience of faith and unbelief, and how worldviews and values shape life in a changing world.
- 02
Section B: Christianity — Origins and Contemporary Expressions
Examines the historical and cultural origins of Christianity, the life and message of Jesus, the development of the early Church, and the variety of contemporary Christian denominations and expression.
- 03
Section C: World Religions
Studies the foundational beliefs, practices, sacred texts and historical development of major world religions and their place in human experience.
- 04
Section D: Moral Decision-Making
Investigates how people make ethical choices, the sources and influences shaping conscience and morality, and the role of religious traditions in moral reasoning.
- 05
Section E: Religion and Gender
Explores the relationship between religion and understandings of gender, the roles and representation of women and men in religious traditions, and feminist critiques of religion.
- 06
Section F: Issues of Justice and Peace
Considers religious responses to questions of justice, poverty, human rights and peace, and the contribution of faith communities to social transformation.
- 07
Section G: Worship, Prayer and Ritual
Examines the nature and forms of worship, prayer and ritual across religious traditions and their significance in the lives of believers and communities.
- 08
Section H: The Bible — Literature and Sacred Text
Studies the Bible as both a literary work and a sacred text, including its composition, interpretation, and its meaning for believing communities.
- 09
Section I: Religion — the Irish Experience
Explores the distinctive history and development of religion in Ireland, its cultural and social influence, and contemporary religious life on the island.
- 10
Section J: Religion and Science
Investigates the historical and contemporary relationship between religion and science, areas of conflict and dialogue, and questions about origins, ethics and ways of knowing.
03 · Where this subject applies
Where this subject applies
These pathways and regions are explicitly connected to the subject in the curriculum.
Levels and pathways
Higher Level
Higher Level — the more demanding level, with broader and deeper content and the H1–H8 grade scale.
Ordinary Level
Ordinary Level — the foundational level covering the core of the syllabus, graded O1–O8.
Regions
All registered regions
04 · Official sources
Official sources
The public sources below are referenced directly by this subject or by one of its topics.
This editorial selection points to the relevant official bodies. Always confirm current requirements, dates and exceptional arrangements with your school and the responsible authority.
2
Public references
IE · EuraStudy Guides
Place this subject inside the complete curriculum.
Open the curriculum guide to see every subject and topic, or continue to EuraStudy Summa to begin working with the material.