Sunday, June 9, 2013

Religious education

At our last community evening, we consulted with you regarding the development of an approach to Religious Education at Amesbury School. A very clear mandate came through. Below is the policy that the board has developed and approved as a result.

6.2.4 Religious Education: Operational Policy

Rationale
Amesbury School values positive relationships that reflect equity and integrity - honesty, transparency, empathy in interactions between students, teachers, parents and the wider community.  We also respect diversity - for self, others, different/diverse cultures and the environment.
At Amesbury we seek to provide education that is relevant for the 21st Century, innovative, purpose built with traditional family values and that embraces the “whole” person.
At Amesbury School we recognise that “being religious” (or having belief systems which influence how individuals or groups of people see the world and live in it) is essentially human. Therefore, our curriculum should encompass an exploration of the religious or spiritual dimension of being human.
Purposes
1.      To ensure that all legislation related to Religious Education or Instruction is adhered to
2.      To ensure that all peoples, their cultures, religions and beliefs are valued and treated with respect
3.      To ensure that the Amesbury School Curriculum acknowledges that being religious (having belief systems which influence how individuals or groups of people see the world and live in it) is an essential dimension of being human.
Guidelines
Accordingly our policy on Religious Education is that:
1.      Religious education (exploring the spiritual or religious dimension of being human) will be an integral part of the Amesbury Curriculum and will be explored through an inquiry approach.

2.      Groups or individuals with differing religious outlooks will be given an opportunity to share their beliefs as part of these inquiries provided the following criteria are met:

·           The religious beliefs are not promoted above others, but rather simply presented and explained
·           The religious beliefs are placed within their historical, geographical, political, cultural and social contexts
·           The religious beliefs and presentation are consistent/not in conflict with the Amesbury School values and principles;
·           The content of the material is consistent with the NZ Curriculum and sensitive to  the multicultural community in which our school operates;
·            Provision of the content is at the Board’s discretion.

Approved by the Board:                                                                                                          Date:  22/05/2013


Signed Chairperson_________________________________________                   Date: 22/05/2013

Category:            NAG 6
Ref No:                 6.2.4

Review date:     May 2014

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