The Bishops Commission for Catholic Education (National Catholic Education Commision – NCEC) has endorsed the Framing Paper: Religious Education in Australian Catholic Schools, prepared by the NCEC Faith Formation and Religious Education Standing Committee. Published in 2018, it is a resource for reflection on and evaluation of curriculum design and practice in the Religious Education learning area.

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The framing paper describes religious Education in the follow terms:

Religious Education in Australian Catholic schools develops students’ knowledge and understandings of Christianity in the light of Jesus and the Gospel, and its unfolding story and diversity within contemporary Australian and global society. It expands students’ spiritual awareness and religious identity, fostering their capacities and skills of discerning, interpreting, thinking critically, seeking truth and making meaning. It challenges and inspires their service to others and engagement in the Church and the world.

In support of the framework a series of videos has been produced. Damascus College students and staff members feature extensively in the video material that was gathered from around the nation. All 5 videos can be accessed from the following link.

Faith Formation & RE - National Catholic Education Commission (NCEC): Australia's Peak Catholic Education Body

The series of professional learning videos are designed to encourage discussion among Catholic educators through the unpacking of the Framing Paper on religious education in Australian Catholic Schools.

National Catholic Education executive director Jacinta Collins said the resources provide a practical understanding of the framework and support for faith formation in the country's 1,755 Catholic schools.

“Faith formation lies at the heart of the work of Catholic schools,” Ms Collins said. “These resources assist teachers and school leaders to reflect and deepen their understanding of the place of Catholic theology in religious education and aim to build professional collaboration among staff.”

FFRE Standing Committee chair Sr Elizabeth Dodds RSC said the videos promote dialogue about the practical considerations for an engaging religious education program.

“These resources support religious education staff to consider the variety of learners in the classroom with their unique life experiences, particular motivations, expectations and aspirations,” Sr Dodds said.

“These videos will enliven and energise staff, building their capacity to provide religious education which is responsive to their local school context and authentic to the Catholic tradition.”