HDR Candidate: Norman, Murray


Title of Project The value of religious education (SRE and GRE) to a multicultural Australia
Course of Study Doctor of Philosophy
Language of Instruction English
Abstract

The increase in the multicultural fabric of Australian society has meant a corresponding increase in the variety of religious beliefs held within our society. The nature of the Australian schooling system (compulsory, government funded) means that school becomes a place where all kinds of cultures and beliefs come together, particularly in government schools (as opposed to non-government, that often have a historical faith basis), which account for 65% of all Australian school students (ABS, 2020). Although the Australian government schooling system is described as secular, this refers to the fact that it is not influenced or controlled by any one religion or denomination – not (as is a common misconception) that it is free from religion. The religious education options in government schools (both SRE and GRE) allow for people from all cultures to see that their religion is valued by Australian society (through the option for them to choose for their child a SRE class in line with their beliefs) and for their children to learn about the faith of their family throughout their schooling in a safe environment. While much research has been done into SRE and GRE, little research has looked at the synergies of both together, and the opinions and experiences of students and families, as well as school staff, into what value this brings to a multicultural society.