THE SHORT ANSWER
See how the subject fits together
The examined subject includes religious and non-religious interpretations of life. Personal belief or affiliation is not what the examination assesses.
A revision map, not a prediction of which questions will appear. Official sources and scope
MORE THAN A TOPIC LIST
How is Religious Education assessed?
- Written examination and coursework under the examination syllabus.
This describes the syllabus assessment components. Use the SEC instructions for your year for timing, question choices, materials and submission arrangements. Read the official assessment section. (opens in a new tab)
Check your selected programme
Study Section A; two of B (Christianity), C (World religions) and D (Moral decision-making); and one of E–J, excluding the sections designated for coursework. E–J cover religion and gender, justice and peace, worship, the Bible, religion in Ireland, and religion and science. Confirm the current coursework titles. This is not the non-examination framework.
YOUR SUBJECT, YOUR CHECKLIST
What should I revise?
Choose the checklist for your level. Topic groups are a starting map, not every syllabus outcome. Optional cards only apply if they are part of your programme.
These are broad revision groups shared across Higher and Ordinary Level, not identical lists of learning outcomes. Use the level-specific outcomes in the linked syllabus and questions from your own level. The checklist records each level separately.
Saved in this browser, separately for each subject and level. A tick is not a mastery score.
The search for meaning
Questions of meaning, values and different worldviews.
Try a practice prompt
COLLEGEROUTE PRACTICE PROMPT
How might two perspectives approach the same question about meaning?
Represent each perspective fairly before comparing it.
Traditions & origins
Christianity and world religions within the selected programme.
Try a practice prompt
COLLEGEROUTE PRACTICE PROMPT
How can origins help explain a present belief or practice?
Use a specific tradition and example; avoid treating all believers as identical.
Moral decision-making
Moral reasoning and the relationship between beliefs and action.
Try a practice prompt
COLLEGEROUTE PRACTICE PROMPT
What principles might lead people to different decisions?
Explain the reasoning, not just the conclusion.
Selected specialist sections
Your chosen sections on texts, worship, society, science or religion in Ireland.
Try a practice prompt
COLLEGEROUTE PRACTICE PROMPT
How does a specific example illuminate a larger issue?
Confirm the selected sections before building detailed notes.
Comparison & evidence
Using concepts, texts and examples accurately.
Try a practice prompt
COLLEGEROUTE PRACTICE PROMPT
Where do two interpretations genuinely differ?
Compare the same aspect of each view and acknowledge internal diversity.
Coursework
Investigating the current title and reflecting on learning.
Try a practice prompt
COLLEGEROUTE PRACTICE PROMPT
Does the study answer its title rather than a broader topic?
Keep a record of research, sources and how your understanding developed.
The prompts are original study exercises, not quotations from SEC papers or predictions of examination questions. Check the official topic scope.
TURN TOPICS INTO PRACTICE
A useful next revision session
- List the compulsory and chosen sections before revising.
- Build precise explanations of concepts with examples.
- Prepare coursework and written responses as distinct tasks.
After practising, write down the exact point that stopped you. Revisit that step, then try again without the notes. A tick should record work you have done, not confidence alone.
Before you narrow your revision
Does a topic’s absence last year mean it is due this year?
No. This guide does not infer question probabilities from previous papers. Use past papers to practise skills and interpret instructions, not to exclude valid syllabus content.
Should I complete every optional card?
No. Check your class’s selected programme and your level. A chosen text, elective or prescribed topic is not interchangeable with another student’s programme. Use the full official syllabus for detailed outcomes.
Are the practice prompts real exam questions?
No. They are short, original CollegeRoute study prompts designed to help you apply the topic. They do not carry an official SEC mark allocation or predict examination wording.
Sources and scope
Checked 8 September 2026. Intended for the 2027 examination cohort.
- Curriculum Online: Religious Education (opens in a new tab). Official subject information, specifications and associated guidance.
- Religious Education: official syllabus / specification (PDF) (opens in a new tab). Used sections: Syllabus structure, sections A–J and coursework/assessment.
- State Examinations Commission (opens in a new tab): examination-year instructions, official papers and marking schemes.
These are editorial revision groups, not a transcription of every learning outcome. The practice prompts and study tips are independent CollegeRoute suggestions. Your teacher’s programme, prescribed material and current official instructions remain the reference for exact requirements.