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.
Note: This consent remains in effect unless the parent informs the school otherwise in writing.
A description of the RI available is provided below.
Religious Instruction
Participating faith groups
The Christian religious leaders of the district have elected to join together and have established a cooperative arrangement
Authorised program: Christian Education Publication 'Connect Curriculum' and 'Big Questions'
Aims and goals
Connect is a Religious Education curriculum designed to give children the opportunity to explore faith and values as part of a holistic approach to education.
Big Questions is for students in their last years of primary school who are ready to explore big issues about life, share their own opinions and investigate the Bible for themselves. This program is designed to make the most of the big questions students are asking.
Religious Instruction promotes the spiritual development and well-being of young Australians.
Lesson structure: This includes the Teaching of Lesson (as per Authorised 'Connect' and 'Big Questions' program (detailed above). Singing with children is also part of the program. The RI lessons are for 30 minutes and take place every week, with Years 1 to 6.
For further information, including module and/or lesson descriptors visit:
https://cepconnect.com.au/connect
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.
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 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.