Growing up in Australia
#1
Lost in BE Cyberspace
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Joined: May 2012
Location: Cayman Islands
Posts: 5,007
Growing up in Australia
Yesterday in my "Back in the Day" thread on the "Rest of the World" forum, I posted a reminiscence about the church-less religious services that were held every three months in my home in "the bush" in Queensland, back when I was a boy. And it occurs to me now, that it's a more appropriate topic for this Barbie forum. If there is any interest, of course. Is there?
#2
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Joined: Jun 2012
Location: NSW, Australia
Posts: 450
Re: Growing up in Australia
As an atheist, I have always found religion deeply interesting. In the UK, it is technically a legal requirement for all state school to carry out an assembly of broadly spiritual/christian worship. This was easily circumvented to make it complete inclusive - we had "Though for the day" and this was discussed in pastoral class times, taking views from all backgrounds. The Christian god, and other gods, would be discussed and taught, but faith was never thrust down the children's throats.
#3
Re: Growing up in Australia
Not me but DD is growing up in Australia and attending a state school.
My impression (bearing in mind the pandemic upended parental involvement at assemblies etc for a few years) is that the ethos is Australian cultural values. There is no religious element at seasonal events eg Christmas and Easter. There are children of multiple faiths and nationalities at the school.
We specifically opted her out of religious instruction (once a week IIRC). Instead they discuss behavioural expectations at the school. I’d prefer if they could discuss ethics but it’s not available in our region.
So far so secular.
My impression (bearing in mind the pandemic upended parental involvement at assemblies etc for a few years) is that the ethos is Australian cultural values. There is no religious element at seasonal events eg Christmas and Easter. There are children of multiple faiths and nationalities at the school.
We specifically opted her out of religious instruction (once a week IIRC). Instead they discuss behavioural expectations at the school. I’d prefer if they could discuss ethics but it’s not available in our region.
So far so secular.
#4
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Oct 2008
Location: Perth
Posts: 6,778
Re: Growing up in Australia
We had scripture once a week for a single period, when I was at primary school. That was early primary. It seemed to fizzle out by about the age of nine. (from recall) I agree with above poster. I would much prefer the teaching of ethics . (something not too evident in self interest inclined Australia.)
#6
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Joined: May 2007
Location: England
Posts: 4,219
Re: Growing up in Australia
As an atheist, I have always found religion deeply interesting. In the UK, it is technically a legal requirement for all state school to carry out an assembly of broadly spiritual/christian worship. This was easily circumvented to make it complete inclusive - we had "Though for the day" and this was discussed in pastoral class times, taking views from all backgrounds. The Christian god, and other gods, would be discussed and taught, but faith was never thrust down the children's throats.