The Religion Department
Throughout the 6 years in Scoil Iosaif, the Religion classes focus on education in the World Religions. An understanding of human nature through religious and non-religious worldviews is an essential part of our curriculum. Religion is taken as an Exam subject for Junior Cycle and then continues into Senior Cycle.
Our school takes pride in its Edmund Rice Schools Trust Ethos as we work to promote a nurturing, values based education. These values permeate our Religion curriculum, our school events and ceremonies.
Each teacher aims to travel with their classes throughout the years in order to facilitate the pastoral role we take. Particularly in Senior Cycle as the issues discussed become more taxing.
The Senior Cycle course strives to build on the knowledge built at Junior Cycle by adding layers of philosophy, psychology, politics and topical moral issues. Students work with their teachers to open discussions and debates on what they know and think. Critical thinking and tolerance are key features of the Senior Cycle Religion classes while solidifying the perspective of each student, in regards to their own faith.
Senior Cycle students undertake a number of self-directed projects to strengthen and deepen their understanding of Religion’s impact and place in the world. This includes work on issues such as War, Art and Religion and Life and Death Issues. It is in the Religion classes that students organise their Graduation Ceremony and Year Book. The Religion class is a space in which students can discuss and develop their own views, thoughts and relationships. After six years in our hands, we hope each student is well-rounded, tolerant, confident and responsible.