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.
Christian Religious Instruction
Participating faith groups: (On the Gold Coast of Queensland) Acts Global Churches, Anglican, Australian Christian Churches, Baptist, Brethren, Catholic, Church of Christ, Church One, Firefall Christian Church, Genesis Christian Ministries, International Network Churches, Lutheran, Presbyterian, Reachout Church, Salvation Army, Seven Day Adventist Uniting Church and perhaps other similar churches.
Authorised program: Beginning with God, Connect and “Big Questions” by Christian Education Publications and also may include resources from God Space.
Aims and goals: - The aim of Christian RI is to inform students about the basic beliefs of the Christian faith from a non-denominational perspective.
- To provide an educationally sound Christian centred religious instruction programme which relates well to the age and experience of the child being taught.
- The lessons aim to be interesting and fun with historical and cultural information broadening the scope of human understanding.
Lesson structure: Teaching methods include storytelling, music, drama, craft, activity books, games, puzzles, video clips, prayer, reading and discussions, Christmas and Easter puppet shows as assemblies in the hall. Lessons are 30 - 40 minutes weekly.