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 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.
Faith Group: Baha'i Religious Instruction
Authorised program: Baha'i Education Classes
Aims and goals: Baha'i education classes are based on the teachings of Baha'u'llah, the founder of the Baha'i Faith. The emphasis of these classes is on learning to think, reflect and to apply spiritual principals to the life of the individual and society. They are based on a strong belief in the nobility of all human beings and that every child is a 'mine rich in gems of inestimable value'. These gems are spiritual qualities or virtues such as unity, kindness, love, justice, truthfulness and service. These qualities are explored in the class through the consideration and memorisation of a quote from Baha'i Writings concerning the particular quality or virtue, and engaging in a range of activities (prayer, song, story, drama, co-operative games and art) to assist each child understand and apply the spiritual quality to his/her lives. While inspired by the principles and ideals of the Baha'i Faith, Baha'i education classes are not classes of religious indoctrination. The moral principles they seek to impart are applicable to people of all faiths, and the personal beliefs of the children and their families will be respected at all times.
Lesson structure: Baha'í classes combine different activities, all focused on the principal goal of motivating the development of attitudes and spiritual qualities. Learning opportunities include:
- Art and craft
- Cooperative games
- Music
- Prayer and meditation
- Drama focussed on real-life scenarios and moral dilemmas
- Peer-sharing and small group discussions, and
- Student-designed service opportunities to the school and community.
For further information, including module and/or lesson descriptors visit: https://www.bahai.org/action/family-life-children/childrens-classes
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 which could include online programs currently accessed by the students of that school
- 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.