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 upon 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 Religious Instruction available at Benowa State School is provided below.
Bahai Faith
In thousands upon thousands of locations around the world, the teachings of the Bahá'í Faith inspire individuals and communities as they work to improve their own lives and contribute to the advancement of civilization. Bahá'í beliefs address such essential themes as the oneness of God and religion, the oneness of humanity and freedom from prejudice, the inherent nobility of the human being, the development of spiritual qualities, the importance of education, and the dynamics of the relationships that are to bind together individuals and communities.
Teaching methods include storytelling, music, drama, craft, activity books, games, puzzles, video clips, prayer, reading and discussions. Lessons are 30 minutes weekly.
Buddhist Faith
In Buddhism, faith refers to a serene commitment to the practice of the Buddha's teaching and trust in enlightened or highly developed beings. Buddhists usually recognize multiple objects of faith, but many are especially devoted to one in particular, such as one particular Buddha. Faith may not only be devotion to a person, but exists in relation to Buddhist concepts like the efficacy of karma and the possibility of enlightenment.
Teaching methods include storytelling, music, drama, craft, activity books, games, puzzles, video clips, prayer, reading and discussions. Lessons are 30 minutes weekly.
Jewish Faith
Judaism affirms the existence and uniqueness of God.
The faith stresses a number of core principles in its educational programs, most importantly a belief that there is one single, omniscient, transcendent, God, who created the universe, and continues to be concerned with its governance.
Teaching methods include storytelling, music, drama, craft, activity books, games, puzzles, video clips, prayer, reading and discussions. Lessons are 30 minutes weekly.
Latter Day Saints Faith
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, considers itself to be the restoration of the original church founded by Jesus Christ.
Members view faith in Jesus Christ and his atonement as fundamental principles of their religion. Church theology includes the Christian doctrine of salvation only through Jesus Christ.
Teaching methods include storytelling, music, drama, craft, activity books, games, puzzles, video clips, prayer, reading and discussions. Lessons are 30 minutes weekly.
Christian Faith
The majority of Christian Church denominations working together and on behalf of each other as a Cooperative group see Ministers' Arrangement held by Administration.
The authorised program covers content across three broad areas and is organised under these thrre topics - "Beginning with God", "Connect" Series, "Big Questions".
It aims to inform students about the basic beliefs of the Christian faith from a non-denominational perspective, keeping the lessons child and life related.
Teaching methods include storytelling, music, drama, craft, activity books, games, puzzles, video clips, prayer, reading and discussions, Christmas and Easter puppet shows as assembies in the hall. Lessons are 30 minutes weekly.
For further information, including module and/or lesson descriptors visit: www.christianri.org.au and cepconnect.com.au
Parents of students participating in these programs will be advised if a faith group requires funds to cover the expense of materials used in RI.
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
- 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.
Please
refer to the Religious
Instruction Policy Statement on the Queensland Government’s website for further information.