Module: Foundations in Catholic Religious Education (CCE)

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Foundations in Catholic Religious Education (CCE)
Module Code	EDP1129 (ITS: ED1010)
Faculty	Human Development	School	DCU Institute of Education
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

This module offers an introduction to Catholic religious education at primary level. The focus is on the foundational documentation for practitioners of religious education in Catholic primary schools. Students will be introduced to the Catholic Preschool and Primary School Curriculum for Ireland (2015) and to the Grow in Love programme. Students will be introduced to participatory and empowering methods in primary religious education, with a focus on fostering young children’s spirituality and on teaching Sacred Scripture to young children. They will develop their own religious literacy in ways that will enhance their ability to teach religious education to children.

Learning Outcomes

1. describe the discipline of religious education at primary level
2. explore some theoretical foundations for Catholic Primary Religious Education
3. study the Catholic Preschool and Primary Religious Education Curriculum for Ireland ( 2015)
4. explain and apply religious education methodologies and approaches
5. develop competence in using the Grow In Love programme.
6. identify skills of spiritual, moral and religious literacy appropriate for primary school children.
7. enhance and reflect on their own religious literacy

Total Workload: 0

Section Breakdown
CRN	10448	Part of Term	Semester 1
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Vivek da Silva	Module Teacher	Cora O'Farrell

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Loop Quiz	Quizzes to be completed on Loop page for the course.	40%	n/a
Assignment	Reflection papers based on the lectures	60%	n/a

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Lecture Content
Introduction to the Discipline of Religious Education; The Catholic Preschool and Primary Religious Education Curriculum for Ireland ( 2015); Introduction to the Grow in Love Programme; Introduction to research on the Spirituality of Children; Teaching Sacred Scripture to Children; Lesson Planning for School Placement.

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Anne Hession: 2015, Catholic Primary Religious Education in a Pluralist Environment, 1st, 3 & 6, Veritas Publications, Dublin, 978 1 8473

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None