Religious Instruction
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 current 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 Student Application for 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.
Religious instruction & Other Instruction is allocated ½ hour per week Mondays 2pm - 2.30pm.
A description of the RI options available at this school is provided below.
Baha'i
Authorised program: Bahá'í Education in State Schools
Aims and goals of the program:
The National Assembly has authorised the use of the lessons prepared by the Ruhi Institute which constitute the core of a programme for the spiritual education of children. The National Assembly has confirmed that the curriculum for all Bahá'í children's classes including those in State Schools should be the lesson plans of Ruhi Books 3 and its branch courses as they are developed.
Although inclusive of moral development, the curriculum aims further at providing distinct Bahá'í education, that is, spiritual education illumined directly by Bahá'u'lláh's Revelation. The materials and lessons avoid indoctrination. Instead, the program provides guidance for children, whether from a Bahá'í background or not, to establish a secure foundation for their lives. Recognition of the unique qualities of each individual develops strong self-esteem and compassion for others. The children learn through:
Prayer and meditation
Music and song
Games, craft, role-play and stories
Consultation and discussion
Cooperative learning
Christian
Authorised Program: “Connect" by CEP
The Christian religious leaders have voluntarily elected to join together and have established a cooperative arrangement to instruct RI in our school.
Aims and goals of the program:
- To enable an understanding of foundational Christian ideas, practices and the values that underpin them as well as their origins.
- To note the worth of these values as contributing to positive individual and community living.
- To enable skills in dealing with and reading sacred texts, in this case, the Bible
Islam
Authorised program: Islamic RI
Aims and goals of the program:
The Islamic Council of Queensland have authorised a single arrangement RI program for primary school students in our school
- Introduce basic principles of Islam to primary-aged Muslim children in a fun and engaging manner
- Help primary-aged Muslim children to understand and practice Islam in a multicultural and diverse society
Sikhism
Authorised program: RI program for Sikhism
Aims and goals of the program:
Actiseek's religious leaders have voluntarily elected to join together and have established a co-operative arrangement to instruct RI in our school.
- Impart structured Religious Instruction program on Sikhism to students.
- Raise awareness in students about Sikh Identity.
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 (i.e. Mathletics, Reading Eggs)
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.