Queensland state schools embrace a multitude of cultural, religious and non-religious beliefs. Under the Education (General Provisions) Act 2006, schools are to provide Religious Instruction (RI) if approached by a faith group seeking to provide RI and students of that faith attend the school.
RI informs students about the beliefs and values of a particular religion. It is delivered by volunteers of a faith group using instructional materials approved by that faith group. RI is required to be consistent with legislation and Department of Education policies and procedures.
All RI instructors must hold a blue card and participate in compulsory Student Protection and Code of Conduct training. RI instructors are only entitled to deliver the RI program outlined below. A school staff member will be present during the delivery of RI.
Participation in RI is not compulsory. Any student (except Prep students) may participate in RI if a parent has provided written instructions to the school.
Students are allocated to RI based on information provided by parents on the completed Application for student enrolment unless other written instructions have been provided to the school.
Parents of students
participating in these programs will be advised if a faith group
requires funds to cover the expense of materials used in RI.
Note: This consent remains in effect unless the parent informs the school otherwise in writing.
A description of the RI available is provided below.
Christian Cooperative Religious Instruction
Authorised program: God Space, Connect and Big Questions
Aims and goals:
- To inform students of the basic beliefs of the Christian faith from a non-denominational perspective.
Lesson structure: Each lesson helps children engage with the Bible and activities that help them understand God’s love and grace for them.
Catholic Religious Instruction
Authorised program: Christ, Our Light and Life and to Know, Worship and Love
Aims and goals:
- To become familiar with Scripture and the Person of Jesus Christ.
- To develop an awareness and appreciation for the Sacraments and Prayers of the Catholic Church.
- To challenge students to make good choices based on the Ten Commandments and the Beatitudes.
- To challenge students to forgive others and treat others as they would like to be treated.
- To become familiar with the Tradition and Teaching of the Catholic Church.
For further information, including module and/or
lesson descriptors visit:
http://www.ccdsydney.catholic.edu.au/currRes/overview.html
https://www.kwl.com.au/kwl-print/
Other Instruction
Students who are not participating in RI will be provided with other instruction in a separate supervised location. Other instruction must relate to part of a subject area already covered in class and may include:
- personal research and/or assignments
- revision of class work such as creative writing or literacy and/or numeracy activities which could include online programs currently accessed by the students of that school
- wider reading such as independent reading appropriate to the student
Parents will be advised of any changes to the RI and other instruction programs to ensure they are able to make an informed decision on their child's participation.