Abstract:
The development of the Integration Act 1975 sustained the financial survival of Catholic schools in New Zealand. The Catholic faith is currently the largest Christian denomination in New Zealand. However, Christian religious education is not a mandatory subject. The Religious Education Curriculum Statement for Catholic Primary Schools in Aotearoa New Zealand is a programme specifically for teaching and learning religious education. The Catholic charter provides the framework for the delivery of the curriculum and the purpose in learning religious education is to encourage faith formation amongst students. However, the roles of the wider school community are also significant to the spiritual development of learners. The purpose of this study investigated the different perspectives of principals, teachers, and parents from Catholic and secular primary schools on the teaching of Christian religious education. Using an interpretive research approach data was collected using semi-structured interviews and focus groups interviews. These interviews were conducted with four principals, eight teachers, and fourteen parents from four primary schools. The findings from the data collected revealed the key concerns, the benefits, and the challenges of teaching Christian religious education. A major implication found within the current research study was the need of professional development amongst religious education teachers, and effective teaching strategies.
