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 External link unless other written instructions have been provided to the school.
Note: This consent remains in effect unless the parent informs the school otherwise in writing.
A description of the RI available is provided below.
Catholic Christian and Catholic Groups
The Combined Religious Instruction program uses a series of life lessons, known as GodSpace. GodSpace is a Combined Churches curriculum used in Christian Religious Instruction lessons around Australia.
The Catholic Instruction program delivers, 'Getting to Know Jesus'.
These programs provide an opportunity for students;
- to learn what Christians believe through songs, stories, drama and games,
- to discover our nation's Christian heritage – for example, why we celebrate Christmas and Easter,
- to explore Bible truths, Christian values, and ways of coping with difficult issues like self-image and peer pressure,
- to think about and ask questions about spiritual matters,
- to make up their own minds about what they believe.
More information is available below:
Bahá'í Education Classes
Bahá'í children's classes are a values-based religious education program based on the teachings of Baha'u'llah, the founder of the Bahá'í Faith. The classes nurture the moral and spiritual development of children, helping them grow into kind, confident, and responsible individuals.
Through stories, songs, discussion, games, and creative activities, children learn about spiritual qualities such as love, honesty, justice, and generosity, and explore their relationship with God and His love for all humanity. The program emphasises the unity of religions, teaching that all faiths come from the same God and share common values and encourages respect for diversity and a sense of belonging to one human family.
Open to children of all backgrounds, Bahá'í children's classes cultivate strong character, positive habits, and a spirit of service — empowering children to contribute to a more peaceful and united world.
https://www.bahai.org/action/family-life-children/childrens-classes
Bahai.pdf
Students who are not participating in RI will be provided with other instruction in a separate supervised location. Other instruction relates to part of a subject area already covered in class and may include:
· reinforcement of the school's weekly PBL focus lesson, 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 (i.e. Mathletics
· 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.