School administrative priorities for religious education

There are a number of administrative priorities that all schools in the Archdiocese of Brisbane need to address in the delivery of a high quality religious education curriculum across Prep to Year 12.

Time allocation for the teaching of religion

It is a requirement that a minimum of 2.5 hours per week of religion teaching is provided in both primary and secondary schools from P-12.This equates to 92 - 100 hours per year, based on 37 - 40 available teaching weeks per year. Liturgy, prayer, hymn practice and other religious practices are not included in this provision. Principals need to ensure that the effective timetabling of religion classes is given high priority within the life of the school.

Senior secondary courses in religion

Three senior secondary courses in religion have been approved for use in the schools and colleges of the Archdiocese of Brisbane. They are: Study of Religion (Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority, General Subject, 2019); Religion and Ethics (Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority, Applied Subject, 2019) and Certificate III and IV in Christian Ministry and Theology (Compass and Compass Plus). Specific programs offered by Archdiocesan schools in the senior secondary years must address the requirements of both the Religious Education Curriculum P-12 as well as the relevant course providers.

Accreditation to teach religion in a catholic or ecumenical school

All teachers of religion in Archdiocesan schools are required to be accredited to teach religion. This includes teachers of religion in the senior secondary years engaged in Study of Religion, Religion and Ethics and Certificate III & IV in Christian Ministry and Theology. Further information regarding the accreditation to teach religion can be accessed through the Brisbane Catholic Education website.

Teachers as professional learners

Religious educators engage in ongoing professional learning focused on enhancing individual and collaborative practices as well as the capacity to improve student learning. Each school will engage in the ongoing process of consistency of teacher judgement, a key strategy for implementing the Religious Education Curriculum P-12 and monitoring its effect on students’ learning.

Through engagement with this process, within and across school communities, teachers build capacity to understand the curriculum intent, identify evidence of student learning, determine and develop appropriate pedagogical practices and moderate teacher judgements about student learning.

Validation of school religious education programs

Each Catholic and Ecumenical school is required to have a documented religious education program designed in accordance with the Religious Education Curriculum P-12 and approved through an Archdiocesan validation process. Regular monitoring and review of the program and its delivery is aligned with approved cyclical review processes.