Religious Education

What is Religious Education?

Religious Education is one of the eight Learning Areas that are taught in Catholic schools.  For us, Religious Education is centred on the Christian story and includes the teachings of Jesus as well as other wisdom writers and faith traditions. 

Both adults and students in Catholic Education within the Diocese of Cairns are invited on a journey that provides opportunities for dialogue with the world through a Catholic perspective.  This contemporary approach to learning respects and honours other worldviews and provides opportunities for personal spiritual growth.

How do we teach Religious Education?

Catholic Education in the Diocese of Cairns is responsive to the shifting dynamics of Catholic schools in our regions, informed by our ongoing research partner KU Leuven (Catholic University, Leuven), engagement with ACU (Australian Catholic University) and other affiliates at national, state, and local levels. 

The global world influences our contemporary context significantly and through technology, people learn, connect, and identify in new and distinct ways.  Engagement with the traditional, formal life of the Church has also changed, so the culture and language of religion has become less familiar to some.  Our local contexts are highly diverse in their religious (and non-religious) practices, cultures, and belief systems too.  We regard this richness of difference as a strength!

From its inception, Catholic Education has always been a work of love and service, ministering to all who seek an education underpinned by Gospel values.  Inspired by the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, we believe in embracing and enhancing each other’s wisdom and capabilities, as we search for new meanings from past learnings.

Religious Education in primary schools

Students in Prep to Year 6 engage in 2.5 hours of Religious Education in their classrooms each week.  They examine how Sacred Scripture informs core Christian beliefs, learn about the wisdom of significant people in Church life and explore living in a way that benefits all.  Learning is done in a dialogical and inquiry-based manner.  Students are assessed on their knowledge and skills of the content studied, in the same way as other Learning Areas. 

Students are also invited to participate in the Religious Life of the School, including prayer and action for social justice.  They are taught what it means to be Catholic in today’s world and how to be respectful of people as they practice their beliefs, so they can leave the school being the best person they aspire to be. 

Religious Education in secondary schools

Religious Education from Years 7 – Year 10 consolidates and extends students’ religious literacy.  In secondary schools, Religious Education is taught for 2.5 hours each week with their classroom teacher.  There is increased emphasis on enhancing dialogical skills and critical thinking as students continue to depth their knowledge and understanding of their identity in relation to other religious worldviews and philosophies on life. 

Students further examine how Sacred Scripture informs core Christian beliefs and influences moral and ethical decision-making for the common good.  There is an emphasis on how Church teachings are constructed to honour the inherent dignity of all humankind and lived out from the collective wisdom of significant people in Church life. 

Students are also invited to the participate in the Religious Life of the School, including prayer and action for social justice as well as opportunities for reflection and growth through retreats.  They are taught what it means to be Catholic in today’s world and how to be respectful of people as they practice their beliefs, so they can leave the school ready to engage in authentic and considered dialogue with a dynamic and changing world.

In Years 11 and 12, students can choose one of four Religious Education pathways:

1. Catholic Faith in Action (CFiA) – a non-ATAR/QCE program specifically designed for students to engage in dialogue and personal reflection on what it means to be a global citizen.
2. Religion and Ethics – a general QCE subject over one or two years.
3. Study of Religion – a specialist QCE subject with external exam over two years.
4. Certificate III in Christian Ministry or Volunteering (if attached to CFIA).

Further information about each of these offerings can be accessed through the Curriculum Coordinator at the school you are seeking enrolment with.