THEOLOGY studies at university level will be available to north country Catholic teachers following a generous partnership with Australian Catholic University.
ACU will deliver two university subjects over two semesters in person at Xavier Catholic College throughout 2016.
The units will be available in person to a minimum of 20 staff, or online if teacher numbers are lower.
The three-year program, which commenced with a three-day formation course in Brisbane last month, will make up the requirements for a post-graduate certificate in religious education.
Teachers who have completed the initial formation training, known as REAP for Brisbane Catholic Education schools, can continue with two religious education units in 2016 and a further unit in 2017.
On completion of the three-year program, the graduating teaching will gain the necessary requirements to teach religious in Catholic schools.
The program is being offered to graduate or returning teachers not currently holding an undergraduate qualification in religious education or theology and working for BCE schools in Wide Bay.
Xavier College Hervey Bay assistant principal to religious education Helen Freshwater said the program would make religious study accessible to teachers as far south as Gympie.
“Teachers will receive a graduate certificate in religious education, which will then take them into study for senior leadership positions,” Mrs Freshwater said.
“They would come away with this program with half a Masters.”
Mrs Freshwater said the program offers teachers a background into theology and staff gained greater confidence to teach the Catholic faith in classrooms.
