Figure 1.--.

While not a part of the national urriculum, religious education is an important part of the curriculum at Catholic and other private and integrated Christian schools.

One Catholic school describes its religious education program as follows: In the Religious Education programme our faith, its values and its meaning are explored at different levels throughout the school. The national syllabus prepared by the National Centre for Religious Studies is followed in Years 9 to 11. In Years 12 and 13 there is a more intellectual approach to the understanding of the moral doctrinal and social teachings of the Church. Students in Year 12 are able to gain Unit Standards in Religious Studies. During the Religious Education periods most of the preparation for Sacramental and other liturgies takes place, with each class preparing for a class Mass and Reconciliation liturgies. Retreats are arranged for each class during the year. These are a time when the students can withdraw from school classes and spend a time in prayer, reflection and thoughtful discussion. Through the sharing of one's beliefs and values, a Retreat can be a very deep and meaningful experience, forging as well, bonds of friendship, understanding, and unity within each form.

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