CBA 1 (Junior Cert Religious Education): Revision Notes
CBA 1: A Person of Commitment
What is CBA 1?
CBA 1 (Classroom-Based Assessment 1) is a major project where students investigate and document the life of someone whose religious beliefs or worldview has created a positive impact on the world, either in the past or present.
This assessment involves three key actions:
- Research: Find suitable information, sort, record, analyse and draw conclusions
- Report: Give an account of your chosen person after completing research
- Present: Show your findings for others to examine
Format and timeline
Students can complete this assessment individually or in small groups. The project takes the form of a report that can be presented in various formats. CBA 1 is typically completed towards the end of 2nd Year.
The flexibility in presentation format allows you to choose the method that best showcases your research - whether that's a traditional written report, a multimedia presentation, or a creative display.
Step-by-step approach to CBA 1
Understanding the task (Steps 1-2)
The first step involves understanding exactly what you need to accomplish. You must investigate someone whose worldview (religious or non-religious) has had a positive impact on the world around them.
If working in a group, ensure it remains small so each member can participate equally and contribute meaningfully to the research and presentation.
Key terminology (Step 3)
Essential Definitions for CBA 1:
- Worldview: A person's overall perspective on life and the world
- Religious beliefs: Faith-based convictions that guide someone's actions
- Positive impact: Beneficial effects on society, communities, or individuals
Understanding these terms is crucial for successfully completing your assessment.
Choosing your subject (Step 4)
You need to identify a person whose worldview has created positive change. Consider individuals you have already studied in Religious Education, such as:
Religious figures: Abraham, Jesus Christ, Moses, Muhammad, The Dalai Lama, Pope Francis, Saint Teresa, Siddhartha Gautama
Social reformers: Martin Luther King Jr., Mahatma Gandhi, Malala Yousafzai, Nelson Mandela
Contemporary activists: Ari Mahler, Brother Kevin, Katie Taylor, Vinoba Bhave
You can also research someone from your local community or someone you've encountered in other Junior Cycle subjects who demonstrates commitment through their worldview. Sometimes the most inspiring stories come from people close to home!
Planning your research (Steps 5-6)
Begin by creating a mind map of what you already know about your chosen person. Then identify gaps in your knowledge by asking:
- What would you like to know more about their life story?
- What do you know about their beliefs or worldview?
- What were their greatest achievements and challenges?
- How did their beliefs create positive impact on the world?
Research methods (Step 7)
You can gather information through two main approaches:
Primary research: Create surveys or interview questions to gather original information. This might involve interviewing people who knew your subject or were affected by their work.
Secondary research: Use existing sources like libraries, museums, or online resources. This involves finding information that other people have already collected and documented about your chosen person.
Organisation and presentation (Steps 8-10)
After completing your research, you need to:
Step 8: Decide how to organise and store your research materials - whether in a scrapbook, card folder, or shared digital folder.
Step 9: Select the most relevant information for your final report from all the material you have gathered.
Step 10: Choose your presentation format and justify why this method best showcases your research and findings.
Avoiding Common Mistakes:
When preparing CBA 1, students should familiarise themselves with the Assessment Guidelines provided by the NCCA. Your teacher will provide guidance and support throughout this process. Don't wait until the last minute to seek help - use your teacher as a resource throughout the research process.
Key Points to Remember:
- CBA 1 focuses on people whose worldview created positive change in the world
- You can work individually or in small groups on this research project
- Both primary research (original) and secondary research (existing sources) are valuable methods
- The assessment involves three key actions: research, report, and present
- Choose someone you find genuinely interesting - from historical figures to local community members