The Christian Studies Curriculum Framework is currently under review. It is intended that the F-10 component will reflect the structure of the Australian Curriculum and continue to highlight Christian Studies as an authentic curriculum area in Lutheran education. The early childhood and Years 11 and 12 components will be reviewed from 2027. Until the new curriculum is launched, schools and early childhood services will continue to use the current Christian Studies Curriculum Framework.
The Christian Studies Curriculum Framework (CSCF) is a core resource developed by Lutheran Education Australia (LEA) for use in Lutheran schools and early childhood services across Australia. Endorsed in 2005 and revised in 2015, it builds upon the foundation of the earlier LIFE curriculum launched in 1998. The CSCF is grounded in Lutheran theology and informed by the Lutheran Confessions.
The framework is designed to provide a developmentally appropriate sequence of learning for learners from the early years through to Year 12. It aims to equip learners with language, symbols, metaphors, and imagery to understand Christianity, interpret biblical and other religious texts, and deepen their understanding of themselves and their cultural background. The framework helps learners develop religious literacy.
Christian Studies is a central and distinctive learning area in Lutheran education. As part of the formal curriculum, it is allocated a minimum of 90-minutes per week in primary and secondary schools, which is separate from worship time. Christian Studies acknowledges the diversity of the faith, life, and spiritual understandings of learners. It promotes a learner-centred pedagogy in a safe and supportive environment and encourages open dialogue and exploration of various religious and non-religious perspectives. Christian Studies provides a Christian worldview and pathway for learners to make meaning in their lives.
The Christian Studies Curriculum Framework is organised into four strands:
- Christian Beliefs (CB)
- Christian Church (CC)
- Christian Living (CL)
- Christianity in the World (CW)
Each strand contains three key ideas that are representative of fundamental concepts, meaning there are 12 key ideas in total.
At different levels or bands, learning statements within each key idea outline what learners should know and be able to do.
FAQs:
Christian Studies is planned and taught using inquiry-based approaches that promote opportunities for deep thinking, challenging discussion and reflection while developing religious literacy. Learners engage in Christian Studies through learner-centred, inclusive, relevant and engaging units of work.
Christian Studies is assessed and reported on, as for other learning areas in the Australian Curriculum. It is important to note that the knowledge, understanding and skills of students are assessed, and not faith. Assessment tasks are developed to show the evidence of student learning through summative, formative and self-assessment tasks.
As a formal learning area, Christian Studies is to be taught by teachers responsible for the planning, teaching and assessment of student learning. As a learning area, Christian Studies requires appropriate staffing and professional development. While pastors may have roles in the school’s wider Christian education program, the curriculum framework focuses on teachers as the educators for this specific subject area.
Christian Studies is a formal curriculum learning area in a Lutheran school or Early Childhood Service. Students learn about Christianity and are assessed on what they know and understand from engaging in Christian Studies. Worship and devotions are part of the broader Christian education program related to the total life of the school or ECS. They are faith practices where individuals are present, and invited to join in prayer, song, hearing God’s Word and generally encountering Christ.
Yes. Learners in Lutheran schools and Early Childhood Services participate in Christian Studies. They can all be involved in learning about Christianity from a Lutheran perspective as the learning area acknowledges and respects diverse religious and non-religious backgrounds and worldviews.
The Bible is integral to the curriculum and is used as a text. Learners explore Christianity and Christian teachings about God as they interpret, analyse and reflect on the teachings of the Bible.
The Christian Studies Curriculum Framework integrates ethics, encouraging learners to analyse moral and ethical issues from Christian and other perspectives, apply decision-making processes and connect beliefs to actions.
Yes, Christian Studies introduces learners to other religions and belief systems. The learning area encourages respectful dialogue and comparisons of different worldviews, particularly within the “Christianity in the World” strand.
Christian Studies benefits all learners by providing a safe space to explore beliefs and spirituality, develop religious literacy, understand the Christian worldview, and critically reflect on their own beliefs and the world in an increasingly pluralistic society.
Yes, Christian Studies explicitly considers and dialogues with other contexts and worldviews, including various religious, non-religious, philosophical, and cultural perspectives learners encounter in contemporary pluralistic society.
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