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 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.
Ecumenical Religious Instruction
Participating faith groups: Goondiwindi Ministers Fraternal
Authorised program: Burst Christian Resources
Aims and goals: Godspace is a three-year curriculum that engages kids and helps them explore the Bible and Christian life so they can make up their own minds about it. Experts from diverse backgrounds, experienced in theology and teaching children make sure that the content is presented in a contemporary and relevant way. The lessons provide activities to help the children experience acceptance and love in the learning environment while pointing to Jesus and a relationship with him. When looking through the curriculum, please note that the stories and activities have been written so that they are age appropriate in an educational setting for children ages 4 to 12.
Lesson structure: 30 minutes per week in class groups, where a volunteer RI instructor is available.
For further information, including module and/or lesson descriptors visit: www.godspace.org.au
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 our 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.
