CBA 2 (Junior Cert Religious Education): Revision Notes
CBA 2: The Human Search for Meaning
Overview
CBA 2 focuses on exploring how people throughout history have searched for meaning and purpose in their lives through religious belief and various forms of evidence. This assessment allows you to investigate artistic, architectural, or archaeological evidence that demonstrates humanity's spiritual journey.
This Classroom-Based Assessment is designed to help you understand how humans have sought meaning and purpose throughout history by examining physical evidence of their spiritual practices and beliefs.
Assessment format
CBA 2 can be completed as an individual or group report and may be presented in various formats. The assessment is completed during the first term of 3rd Year and involves three key actions: explore, report, and present.
Understanding the key terms
Before beginning your CBA, it's essential to understand what you're being asked to do:
Key Action Definitions
- Explore: Systematically investigate something closely for discovery purposes; to examine or probe thoroughly
- Report: Provide a detailed account of your findings after completing your exploration
- Present: Display your work for others to examine and learn from
Key concepts
The CBA focuses on several important terms that form the foundation of your investigation:
- Religious belief: Spiritual convictions and faith systems
- Evidence: Physical or documented proof of human spiritual practices
- Search for meaning and purpose: Humanity's quest to understand life's deeper significance
Step-by-step guide to completing CBA 2
Step 1: Choose your working arrangement
Decide whether you'll work individually or in a small group. If working in a group, ensure each member can participate equally in the research and presentation.
Step 2: Select your type of evidence
You must choose between three categories of evidence:
Evidence Categories with Examples:
- Artistic evidence: Religious paintings, sculptures, Celtic spirals, crosses
- Architectural evidence: Churches, temples, sacred buildings like the Acropolis
- Archaeological evidence: Ancient religious artefacts, burial sites, sacred objects
Review Chapters 38-40 from your studies to help identify which area interests you most.
Step 3: Identify your research focus
Consider what specific evidence you could explore from your chosen category. Think about:
- What you've already studied in Religious Education
- Local examples in your area that you could visit
- Evidence from other subjects like Visual Art or History
Step 4: Develop research questions
Before beginning your investigation, consider key questions such as:
- What is the history behind your chosen evidence?
- How and where was it discovered, built, or created?
- How does it demonstrate people's search for meaning or religious beliefs?
- Are there symbolic meanings in its features?
Step 5: Plan your research approach
You can conduct research using two main methods:
Research Methods
Primary research involves first-hand investigation by:
- Visiting galleries, museums, or heritage sites
- Observing evidence directly
- Taking photographs (where permitted)
- Speaking with experts or guides
Secondary research involves gathering existing information through:
- Library resources
- Online sources
- Interviews with teachers from Art or History departments
- Academic articles and books
- Documentary films
Step 6: Organise your findings
Create a system to store your research, whether in a physical scrapbook, digital folder, or online shared space. This helps you stay organised throughout the process.
Step 7: Analyse your research
Once you've gathered information, examine what you've learned. Look for patterns, draw conclusions, and determine what information is most relevant to your report.
Step 8: Choose your presentation format
Decide how you'll present your findings. Consider why your chosen format best suits your evidence and audience.
Assessment criteria
Assessment Task Information
After completing CBA 2, students studying Religious Education as an exam subject will undertake an Assessment Task worth 10% of final marks. This assessment evaluates:
- New knowledge and understanding gained through the CBA experience and its personal significance
- Skills, attitudes and values developed during the process and their future application
- Beliefs and perspectives encountered through the CBA and how they will help meet life's challenges
The Assessment Task is marked by the State Examinations Commission and focuses on reflexion rather than repeating CBA content.
Important guidelines
Essential Guidelines to Follow
Students should familiarise themselves with the Assessment Guidelines provided by the NCCA. Teachers will provide support throughout this process.
Remember that you don't need to limit yourself to previously studied topics - you can explore new evidence that interests you, whether from your local area or from connections to other Junior Cycle subjects.
Summary
Key Points to Remember:
- CBA 2 allows you to explore how humans have searched for meaning throughout history
- You can choose from artistic, architectural, or archaeological evidence
- Both individual and group work are acceptable approaches
- Primary research (visiting sites) and secondary research (library/online) are both valuable
- The focus should be on evidence that demonstrates religious belief or the human search for meaning
- Your presentation format should suit your evidence and audience