Religious Education in Schools
Religious Education in schools is one facet of ministry with young people and children. In Queensland, RE in state schools operates under legislative requirements specified in the Education (General Provisions) Act. Through this legislative framework, local clergy and/or their accredited lay representatives may teach their own adherents, or may join ecumenically to teach class groups.
Through RE in state schools, students can come to better understand themselves, their communities, and the religious influences that play a part in each sphere of their existence.
The Anglican Diocese of Brisbane supports the ministry of RE in state schools through its Ministry Education Commission. Coordinator of RE and chaplaincy in Schools, Mr Jonathan Sargeant provides varied services to local faith communities such as
- Training for volunteer RE teachers and co-ordinators
- Support and encouragement for those involved
- Information about new strategies and resources, in particular, enabling local communities to make choices about curriculum etc
- Policy development for the Diocese
- Representation with the state government and other bodies on RE and chaplaincy in state school issues
RENEW
As chair of the ecumenical RE training and support group RENEW, Jonathan works to make RE in state schools as effective as it can be.
More information about RENEW can be found here: http://www.cmn.org.au/qldre
The R2 Program
The R2 program, available from the Anglican Schools Office is an 18 hour modular program of professional development for teachers of religious education in Anglican schools. Whilst suitable for beginning and experienced RE staff, it aims to assist in particular those teachers required to teach RE who have no specific subject expertise. In use throughout this diocese and New Zealand, the program can be facilitated by Jonathan or by an experienced religious educator within the school community.
