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.
Note: This consent remains in effect unless the parent informs the school otherwise in writing.
A description of the RI options available at this school is provided below.
Tewantin State School is able to offer Religious Instruction for Years 2 - 6. The curriculum is the Christian-based, non-denominational 'God Space' program. Years 2 - 5 have one hour per fortnight, and Year 6 have an immersion day once per term.
Christian Religious Instruction (CRI) at Tewantin State School
Participating Faith Groups:
Churches in the area come together to offer Christian RI on a cooperative and non-denominational basis. They also donate funds for curriculum materials and student workbooks.
These churches include Anglican, Baptist, Lutheran, Presbyterian, Salvation Army, Noosa Church (COC) and Uniting Church (others may be added).
Note: All religious instructors must have an Education Queensland Approval Form signed by their church leader and carry a current Blue Card.
Authorised Program:
The providers of Christian RI are committed to best-practice curriculum resources, approved for use in QLD schools.
The CRI program at Tewantin State School uses Beginning with God, God Space, Big Questions (Christian Education Publications) and GodSpace curriculum (Burst Christian Resources)
https://cepconnect.com.au/curriculum
https://godspace.org.au/curriculum/
Aims and Goals:
The aim of the program is to inform students about the basic beliefs of the Christian faith from a non-denominational perspective, which means focusing on the shared foundation that the Christian churches have in common.
Lesson structure:
A variety of teaching methods may be used including storytelling, music, drama, activity books, games, quizzes, video clips and puppet shows.
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
- 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.