Explanatory note

This Order, made under Articles 11(1) and (4) and 43(5) of The Education (Northern Ireland) Order 2006 (the 2006 Order) specifies the core syllabus for religious education at each key stage, which all grant-aided schools in Northern Ireland are required to deliver (Article 3). It revokes and replaces The Curriculum (Core Syllabus for Religious Education) Order (Northern Ireland) 1996.

Article 11(4) of the 2006 Order allows for an order under Article 11(1), instead of containing the provisions to be made, to refer and give effect to provisions in a document published as specified in the order.

This Order therefore gives effect to the document called “Core Syllabus for Religious Education”, published by The Stationery Office. The document sets out the statutory Learning Objectives for pupils at each key stage.

This Order comes into operation on a phased basis from August 2007, as set out in Schedule 1, in line with the introduction of the revised curriculum.

Copies of the “Core Syllabus for Religious Education” may be purchased from The Stationery Office, 16 Arthur Street, Belfast BT1 4GD or can be accessed via the Department of Education’s website: www.deni.gov.uk.