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. Students from Year 1 to Year 6 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.
Christian Religious Instruction
Participating faith groups: Hume Ridge Church of Christ, Withcott Church of Christ, Toowoomba Community Baptist Church, Eiser Street Baptist Church, Christian Brethren Church
Authorised program: Beginning with God, Connect
Aims and goals: A non-denominational program which aims to develop knowledge and understanding of biblical principles and to form a knowledge and understanding of values and attitudes of faith, culture and the world today.
Lesson structure:
- 30 minutes per week, Year One and Two, Semester One and Semester Two
- 30 minutes per week, Year Three to Six, Semester One or Semester Two
For further information, including module and/or lesson descriptors visit: https://cepconnect.com.au/curriculum External link
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Religious Instruction
Participating faith groups: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
Authorised program: Mormon
Aims and goals: To teach the gospel of Jesus Christ as found in the scriptures. To have each student model their lives upon the saviour Jesus Christ.
Lesson structure:
- 30 minutes per week, Year One to Year Six, Semester One and Semester Two
Baha'i Religious Instruction
Participating faith groups: Baha'i
Authorised program: Baha'i Education Classes
Aims and goals: Familiarising the students with the teachings of all the major religions of the world. Helping the students to learn and adopt the "Virtues" ' the underlying spiritual principles of all major religions.
Lesson structure:
- 30 minutes per week, Year One to Year Six, Semester One and Semester Two
For further information, including module and/or lesson descriptors visit:
http://det.wa.edu.au/curriculumsupport/religiouseducation/detcms/navigation/special-religious-education/bahai-curriculum/ External link
Islam Religious Instruction
Participating faith groups: Islam
Authorised program: Pillars of Faith
Aims and goals: To develop student's knowledge about the basics of Islam teaching. To teach students to love, learn and live Islam.
Lesson structure:
- 30 minutes per week, Year One to Year Six, Semester One and Semester Two
For further information, including module and/or lesson descriptors visit: https://www.isre.org.au/ External link
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 creative writing or literacy and/or numeracy activities which could include online programs currently accessed by the students of that school e.g. Reading Eggs
- wider reading such as independent reading appropriate to the student
Parents will be advised of any changes to Religious Instruction to ensure they are able to make an informed decision on their child's participation.