A religious education exam paper at an advanced level has received praise from teachers for its thoughtful complexity. The paper challenged pupils while offering a good variety of options, said ASTI representative and Haywood Community School’s religious education teacher Róisín Dignan, with respondents expressing satisfaction.
Paul McAndrew of the Institute of Education lauded its meticulous nature. It encouraged students to fully appreciate the intricacies of the questions while broadly reinforcing their knowledge, he said.
A question about the works of Socrates was well received by the students, both teachers attested. It encouraged an in-depth examination of his philosophical evolution, his significance on Plato and Aristotle, and his overall impact.
Furthermore, Dignan praised a question that asked about “the thirst for spirituality today” as it was relevant and it allowed for wide-ranging responses. Candidates could discuss retreats, voyages like the Camino de Santiago or Croagh Patrick, in addition to meditation practices.
McAndrew vouched for the second essay question, which offered the opportunity for modern-day contemplation and application of philosophical ideas.
Both agreed section B, which delved into the roots of Christianity, comprised of familiar topics and enquiries. In addition, the essay questions included various themes, covering subjects like holy texts, the Irish interpretation of faith, religion’s interaction with science and the role of gender within religion.
The focus on religion and gender has been consistent over the years, noted McAndrew. Despite occupying a relatively small portion of the curriculum, it packs in important, debatable topics that engage the students. Clear and well-structured, the questions offered good choices for those who had prepared well.