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 current 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 local churches may, amongst others, include Anglican, Australian Christian Churches, Baptist, Catholic, Churches of Christ, Presbyterian, Salvation Army, and Uniting Churches.
Aims and goals:
The aim of Christian RI is to inform students about the basic beliefs of the Christian faith from a nondenominational perspective.
Lesson structure:
Lessons will typically run for 25 minutes per week.
Authorised program:
Year 1-3: God Space
For further detail please click here.
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 at Aspley East
• wider reading such as independent reading appropriate to the student
Note: 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.
For further information about the Department of Education Religious Instruction Policy Statement, please click here.
Religious Instruction (RI) at Aspley East State School
If you have any questions about the AESS RI program, please feel free to contact our school’s RI Coordinator, Ian Charlesworth (details below).
If you would like your child to participate in the RI program at Aspley East State School, please contact the school office (Information@aspleyeastss.eq.edu.au).
Currently, RI at Aspley East SS is provided for students in Years 1 to 3.
Ian Charlesworth
AESS RI Coordinator
Mobile: 0411 861 071
Email: iancharlesworth66@gmail.com
You can view our Christian RI brochure below