Christian religious education (CRE)

Adding value to your school, CRE programs assist Victorian schools to meet legislative requirement for religious instruction for students. Partnering with the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (DEECD), ACCESS ministries has provided schools with religious instruction for over 60 years. Our teaching staff are trained and accredited, participating in mandatory professional development sessions on an annual basis. All CRE teachers and helpers must have a Working with Children Check and be approved by DEECD.

ACCESS ministries has developed CRE curriculum that offers a safe forum for young students to discuss values, spirituality and Christianity in a tolerant and respectful manner.

The CRE program will assist your school in teaching values to students. Through interactive activities, lively and helpful class discussion, music and dramatisation, students will explore healthy methods to relate to each other. Our curriculum and classes are designed to assist students to grow in tolerance and respect of each other.

Offering a spiritual and moral dimension to your school helps build a positive culture of healthy interactions and respectful relationships.

The CRE program is designed to benefit students and staff alike and we aim to foster positive relationships within the school community. Every school has a CRE team leader who provides the single point of contact for all CRE teachers in the school. Our team leaders in turn are supported by a network of Field Support Officers to ensure the smooth running of our programs.

ACCESS ministries provides detailed reports every semester on student participation and program outcomes to the Student Wellbeing Unit within DEECD.

Part of the ongoing success of the program rests on our ability to acknowledge and resolve any potential issues and complaints. ACCESS ministries follows a rigorous process to ensure that resolution is met adequately by all parties.

Understanding the curriculum provided for your students is important. Samples lessons are published on this website and more information is available on DVD .

CRE classes assist students to:

• Explore personal values and choices
• Discuss Christian beliefs and faith
• Learn to value and respect all cultures and beliefs
• Discuss life experiences and key events
• Understand everyday biblical references eg ‘a David and Goliath battle’

CRE Fast Facts

• Victorian Government legislation provides for every child to receive 30 minutes of Religious Instruction a week.
• Classes run for 30 minute sessions once a week
• Over 3000 volunteer teachers run the CRE sessions
• All CRE teachers hold a current Working with Children Check and must be approved by (DEECD)
• CRE is culturally sensitive and respectful of other faiths
• CRE builds stronger foundations for life

For more information on how CRE can benefit your school please email or call 1800 063 341.