There is an existing Junior Certificate syllabus for Religious Education, the aim of which is to provide students with a framework for encountering and engaging with the variety of religious traditions in Ireland and elsewhere.
In accordance with the schedule set out in the Framework for Junior Cycle (2015) a new syllabus specification for junior cycle will be introduced in 2019.
In that context, the NCCA will initiate its review of Junior Cycle Religious Education in the coming year.
The practice of the NCCA in this regard is to initially publish a background paper as part of its review process. The Background Paper for Religious Education will be published in mid 2017 and will be the subject of a public consultation.
The background paper will, among other things:
- describe the learning and teaching experiences of students and teachers as they encounter the existing syllabus;
- detail how the examination of the subject as part of the Junior Certificate has evolved over time and the trends in student achievement in that context;
- explore international trends in Religious Education;
- review any relevant research on the operation of the existing syllabus;
- set out a draft brief for the representative development group which will be formed to develop a new curriculum specification.
The existing syllabus is recognised as impartial in its treatment of the area and it is the intention that the new specification will be developed along similar lines. The rigour and transparency of the development process will ensure that the deliberations of the development group will, at all times, be open to scrutiny. The specification, when drafted, will also be the subject of a public consultation, following which, on the basis of feedback, it will be finalised.
