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.
Participating Faith Group
Authorised Program
The Christian Religion Instruction Program delivered at the Tewantin State School is a Cooperative arrangement approved by the Noosa Ministers Association which includes Anglican, Baptist, Catholic, Christian Outreach, Hillsong, Lutheran, Presbyterian, Salvation Army and Uniting Churches.
The authorised program used in grades 2 and 6 is called Connect, which is written and published by Christian Education Publications.
The authorised program used in grades 3, 4 and 5 is called GodSpace which is written and published by Burst Christian Resources.
Both programs are approved by the Queensland Education Apartment.
The Connect website is www.cepconnect.com.au which contains comprehensive details of this curriculum.
The GodSpace website is www.godspace.org.au which contains comprehensive details of this curriculum.
Aims and Goals
To inform students about the basic beliefs of the Christian faith from a non-denominational perspective in an age appropriate method
Lesson Structure
Grades 2, 3, 4 and 5 - 60 minute lesson every second week
Grade 6 - one half day program per term
Further Information
Grade 2 classes use Connect: Beginning with God
Grade 3, 4 and 5 classes use: GodSpace
Grade 6 classes use Connect: Big Questions
All religion Instructors must have an approval letter from their church leader and carry a current Blue Card.