With Term 1 of the new school year beginning, Religious Instruction (RI) or Scripture (SRE) will soon resume in State Schools.  Religious Instruction is a half hour or hour a week or fortnight provided by the Education Department so children can receive religious instruction from a single faith group or a cooperative of more than one faith group working together using an agreed-upon curriculum.  Christian RI aims to inform students about the basic beliefs of the Christian faith from a non-denominational perspective. 

Key Points for Religious Instructors

Understand the state’s religious instruction policy.  (Religious Education is a state matter not Federal.)  Ensure you have maintained your accreditation with your Church and that your Blue Card is current and valid.  The school will validate your number.  In Queensland you must complete the Education Department Mandatory All-Staff Training program; Key Messages Guide 2022 for contractors, volunteers, visitors, preservice teachers and other adult students on placements, including Student Protection and Code of Conduct training.  Refresher training is required annually.  Remember to sign in and sign out at the office!  Your Religious Instruction Coordinator will support you and give you any help you need. 

Use Only the Curriculum Provided!

In my home state of Queensland, The Alliance of Christian Religious Education (ACRE) delivers Christian religious education programs in Queensland state schools.  Their resources engage children with music, drama, reading and writing, puzzle solving, drawing and asking questions.  They provide delightful full-colour visuals for teaching.  The children’s activity books are bright and engaging and the children take them home at the end of the year.    

Nurture strong relationships between the school community and the religious community by:

• Being friendly
• Being punctual
• Being prepared
• Leaving the classroom as you found it

Nurture strong relationships between instructors by:

• Making new instructors feel welcome and like part of the team
• Meeting together regularly to encourage one another and share ideas
• Training together

Keep Your Church Up to Date!

Share experiences (whilst maintaining confidentiality).  Ask for prayer support for yourself and your fellow instructors.  Meet with the Kid’s Pastor for extended support and understanding…they get you!   

I highly recommend the website and YouTube channel ‘Wright Ideas with Susan’. Susan is an RI expert! Here’s the link to her website: https://www.wrightideaswithsusan.com/

Teaching Religious Instruction is a challenging endeavour but worthwhile.  God bless you with inspiration, creativity and patience as you serve in this area!