Religious Education at High Schools & Primary School 

Incursions Open Minds. 

For many students, incursions (like ours) are better received than ongoing regular religion classes. Not that there’s anything wrong with the steady ongoing input approach, but students who have decided they do not want religious input are more likely to resent regular classes, yet are much more willing to suspend their resistance for a short term incursion.

So when the mind is open, let’s make sure we put something good in it!

Inspiring:

• one-hour seminars, assemblies
• motivational talks,
• values & life-skills training
• graduations, special events
• leader training
• camp speakers

Combinations of:
games, (active learning methods),
tricks, visuals, live-art,
music, data projections, etc.
spoken word (of course), visuals,
questions, dialogue, panels, small groups

High School Topics – click here

Primary School Topics – click here

Collaborate
We like to partner with local schools, chaplains, churches, and communities. Together we can present something lasting. Have us kick off a week of emphasis on the same topic.

Ethos
By bringing in the spiritual dimension, the sessions are wholistic, and the insights are more substantial than just common sense – school staff often say they also benefited from the sessions.

We’re open about our Christian basis, which is great for schools religious education:
- no hidden curriculum.
- demonstrate a wholistic approach to the topics.
- address the difficult area of spirituality in a defined way.
- demonstrate how to approach all religions in a pluralist way, without diminishing our own worldview

In our shrinking world, we must equip our young with the skills to discuss our fundamental differences, without diminishing our own views, or ‘theirs.’
There needs to be a sufficient level of religious general knowledge and appreciation. Ignorance will not do.

As with any topic, good information can be found, and taught ethically. Religious education requires sensitivity & expertise. And a bit of entertainment doesn’t hurt either.

The WA Schools Act
[See http://www.det.wa.edu.au/curriculumsupport/religiouseducation.]
- encourages Religious Education, both “General” and “Special.”
 ”General RE” is education about religions as an observed social phenomena. Classroom teachers are allowed to do this. Geoff Westlake provides training for all staff about where the lines are. 
 ”Special RE” is RE taught by people of faith, and is to be taught in public schools too – up to 40 hours per year!
- There are ethical constraints – it’s to be education, not coercion.
- Parents are to have the opportunity to withdraw their children in writing. So if you’re having us attend, you don’t need a permission note from parents. According to The Act, all kids are expected to attend unless withdrawn in writing, and parents need that opportunity – eg. pre-warning by newsletter fulfills The Act.

Fees

<click here for updated schedule>
Costs should not prevent small schools using our services. Just ask.

Conversation to start: geoffwestlake@gmail.com