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Department of Education and Training
Student Services > Inclusive Education > Religious Diversity > Religious Instruction > Frequently Asked Questions >

General Questions - Instruction in Selected Bible Lessons

Why may instruction in selected Bible lessons be provided in a primary or special school?

The Education (General Provisions) Act 2006 provides the terms by which instruction in selected Bible lessons may be delivered in school hours. The Education (General Provisions) Regulation 2006 outlines the time permitted for the delivery of religious instruction in selected Bible lessons in a primary or special school.

Who decides if instruction in selected Bible lessons is provided in a primary or special school?

The principal has the authority to decide if these lessons are to be read by teachers as part of the school's instructional program.

What selected lessons can be read?

The selected lessons (new window) 90k Adobe PDF document which can be read for each year level are listed on the religious instruction website.

What type of religious instruction in selected Bible lessons are teachers able to deliver?

Teachers can read selected Bible lessons and give backgrounds to the reading e.g. geographical location, literary styles, historical information. Teachers are not permitted to provide teaching in doctrines and tenets relating to the text.

What reading book is provided for this purpose?

As this program is optional for schools to implement, reading books are no longer provided by the department. Schools that elect to introduce this program of instruction are advised that the Good News Bible is the text to be used in place of the previous Bible reading books.

How are students allocated to these classes?

Education Queensland has responsibility for the program of selected Bible lessons and all students attend these classes when the lessons are provided by the school unless a parent has requested their child be withdrawn.

What information should be shared with parents about this program of religious instruction?

Parents must be informed when this program is introduced into the school as they have the legislated provision to withdraw their child from all forms of religious instruction.

What alternative instruction occurs for students who are withdrawn from selected Bible lessons?

Principals must arrange that students who are withdrawn from selected Bible lessons receive alternative program in a separate location. Parents must be informed when this occurs and what instruction is to be provided for these students.

Students not participating in selected Bible lessons must not be disadvantaged educationally.

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