What does the CSCF say?

• Page 6 - Involves an environment where students can explore a range of religious and non-religious perspectives. It acknowledges and respects the diversity of student backgrounds, beliefs and values.

• Page 7 - Inquiry involves the use of students' knowledge (needs, interests, contexts, prior learning). Create meaningful inquiry and learning through a range of teaching strategies and learning experiences. It should be a journey of learning that resonates with students' life questions and equips them with knowledge and understanding to tackle those questions and outcomes. An inquiry should follow a process that involves constructive feedback, informative assessments, and time for reflection. Involves the access to a range of ways of making meaning. An inquiry should draw on the diversity within the classroom. An effective inquiry should involve sharing, linking, and opportunities for students to reflect and take action.

• Page 8 - An exciting, supportive, inclusive, and collaborative learning environment is needed in order to allow students to explore and discover their spirituality. It should also encourage critical dialogue and empowers students to be active learners. Christian Studies inquiry and learning should be personally relevant, creates deep thinking, and allows students to act on challenges, values, and beliefs through theology. It should involve religious literacies that connect students to making life choices. Authentic inquiry learning should bring new understanding, transform and challenge students to take action in a rich learning environment. Common characteristics of inquiry learning are critical/lateral thinking, multiple strategies, meaningful, engagement, simulation, new ways of thinking, interactive, links to prior learning and experiences, collaborative, growing understanding, reflection, creativity, respect, response to a multiplicity of ways and making meaningful connections.

• Appendix 3 and 5 - Inquiry should involve the development of lifelong qualities for learners. It should involve the nurturing of individuals who are aware of their humanity and influence of the Holy Spirit. Also it should encompass a view of living in community and reflecting on the characteristics and values of God. Futhermore, inquiry should contribute to the community by being leaners, implementers, contributors, facilitators, collaborators and advocates.

• Appendix 4 - Inquiry design process should have goals of... faciliatation, authenticity, imagination, flexibility, support, empowerment, engagement, participation, risk taking, connections, transformation, future focused, growth and invitation.