Implementing 'worldviews and religions' resources

The new Victorian Curriculum to be implemented in schools in 2017 has introduced a new area in Humanities titled: ‘Worldviews and Religions.’ At present, information about this new area is in PDF format and is accessed through the Humanities Curriculum page. The PDF justifies the inclusion of Worldviews and Religions in the broader school curriculum, and provides basic information on the world’s five major religions: Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam and Judaism and secular humanism and rationalism. Rather than a separate curriculum area with curriculum standards, Worldviews and Religions is to be contextualised within the general teaching program, with particular relevance to Humanities disciplines and the general capabilities. History, Geography, Civics & Citizenship, as well as Intercultural, Ethical and Personal and social capabilities all have standards that are relevant. It is recommended that schools base their approach to Worldviews and Religions on the following characteristics: • learning about Worldviews and Religions should be contextualised in broader learning programs; • it should include a rationale and opportunities for critical-thinking; and • students should have the opportunity to study at least one non-religious worldview and a range of religions. (Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority, VCAA, 2016). As part of their education courses, pre-service teachers at Deakin University have been curating resources which they could develop and implement into their primary classrooms.