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: Local Christian Churches come together to offer Christian RI on a cooperative and non-denominational basis. these churches include Anglican, Lutheran, Australian Christian Churches, Baptist, Churches of Christ, Presbyterian and Uniting Churches.
Authorised program: Connect from CEP
Aims and goals: The aim of Christian RI is to engage students' minds and emotions as well as develop the skills needed for students to explore the nature and content of the Christian faith.
Lesson structure: Lessons are 25min per week.
For further information, including module and/or lesson descriptors visit: CEP Connect Material
Other Instruction
Students who do not participate in the Religious Instruction program take part in values and ethics lessons, with a focus on building a school culture that emphasises doing your best, building understanding and tolerance, caring, compassion and inclusion, honesty, trustworthiness and integrity. These lessons are taught by class teachers.
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.