JUNIOR CERTIFICATE RELIGIOUS STUDIES: ALL LEVELSHALF OF all Junior Cert students sat yesterday's Religious Studies exam, which was received with good grace by all concerned. "This was the nicest exam since the syllabus was first tested in 2003," said teacher Melanie O'Sullivan. "The syllabus is settling down now and this paper reflected that."

Students were invited to reflect on the meaning of life, the difference between right and wrong, and atheism. They could examine a choice of religions, including Buddhism, Islam and Christianity.

Question 4 asked students to consider the creation of the universe and how it is comprehended by various religious groups, and to compare these views with scientific explanations such as the Big Bang theory and Darwinism.

Students were also shown a photo of anti-war protesters and asked to give examples of ways that people can express their positions on moral issues publicly.

A transcript of a web chat between two students explored the meaning of life and where such meaning can be found: in music, in religion and in gardening.

Since it was introduced seven years ago, Religious Studies has become one of the most popular Junior Certificate subjects, with many schools offering it as a core subject. "I have plenty of different religions in my class and they all enjoy it," said Ms O'Sullivan of Blackwater Community School in Lismore. "It's a core subject in our school, but students can opt out if they want to. Very few do."

The syllabus has to cover students of all faiths and none, so the exam's language has become more accommodating, Ms O'Sullivan said. "It's an onerous task to set a paper that allows students of all belief systems to be included - I think yesterday's paper was the best example so far."