The Catholic school community has a responsibility to put into place appropriate and supportive yet rigorous pathways for the preparation and ongoing professional learning of teachers, especially in Religious Education, and for the professional and spiritual formation of those who will lead our schools into the future.
The Accreditation to Work, Teach and Lead Policy and Handbook outline faith accreditation requirements for employees of the Catholic Schools Office and diocesan schools, and their contractual obligations for working, teaching and leading.
Download the Accreditation to Work, Teach and Lead Policy.
Download the Accreditation to Work, Teach and Lead Handbook.
Financial Support Offered by the CSO
The CSO currently remunerates one-half (50%) of Accreditation to Teach Religion and Accreditation for Senior Leadership course fees for students who are undertaking approved courses of study in RE/Theology/Catholic Leadership and who are permanently employed in diocesan schools.
Study leave of one day per unit per semester is offered for those undertaking Accreditation to Teach Religion and Accreditation for Senior Leadership. Some casual release (code 86) is provided for those undertaking accreditation modules in categories A to C.
To claim remuneration, staff should present a copy of their transcript and receipt of payment of fees after successful completion of each unit to the RE and Spirituality Services team at the CSO to receive their remuneration.
Courses for Gaining Accreditation
There are a number of courses, seminars and programs available through Broken Bay Institute (BBI) and Australian Catholic University (ACU) to support school and CSO staff to achieve accreditation in the various categories.
Courses for Gaining Accreditation to Teach Religion
Those wishing to gain Accreditation to Teach Religion can enrol in one of the following courses:
- A major undergraduate course of study in Religious Education/Theology in the B Ed or other undergraduate teaching degree at a Catholic tertiary institution (minimum of six approved units of study) OR
- A degree in Theology or allied disciplines at a Catholic tertiary institution OR
- A postgraduate qualification in Religious Education/Theology at a Catholic tertiary institution (minimum of four postgraduate units of study) OR
- A CSO approved qualification in Religious Education/ Theology from an endorsed provider (minimum of four postgraduate units of study).
Courses for Gaining Accreditation for Senior Leadership
The requirements for Accreditation for Senior Leadership are as follows:
- Have completed the Faith Story Witness module
- Be Accredited to Teach Religion (Category D)
- Have completed a minimum of 4 additional units of study at a postgraduate level in Religious Education/Theology/Catholic Leadership at a Catholic tertiary institution. The units would be in addition to any subjects covered to achieve Accreditation to Teach Religion.
It is recommended that staff who are undertaking a Master of Educational Leadership degree for Senior Leadership Accreditation seek advice from Bernadette Gibson, Head of RE and Spirituality Services at the Catholic Schools Office.
Accreditation at a Glance
The table below outlines the Accreditation to Work, Teach and Lead requirements for staff working in the Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle.
