History of the development of classroom religious education in the Australian

Extended Written Response: Within the context of Australian Catholic schools, explore the history of the development of classroom religious education in the Australian social, ecclesial, historical and cultural contexts. Order Description Reviewing Catholic Religious Education in Australia from a historical perspective, Maurice Ryan (2002) concludes: Contemporary religious education in Catholic schools carries the marks of its history. To be sure, contemporary religious educators work in a context characterised by greater plurality and diversity than any previous era. But, the expectations and hopes for religious education laid down in earlier, pivotal moments in the development of the Catholic schools continue to hold sway. (p. 6) Using Ryan’s (2002) statement as a starting point, your extended written response will incorporate the following key focus areas: With particular focus on the nature and purpose of religious education in Australian Catholic schools explore the history of the development of religious education in the 20th century. Include both Historical and Contemporary Perspectives. Evaluate the influence of Church Documents on this history and direction of religious education in Australian Catholic schools. Use excerpts from at least THREE key Church documents to support your discussion.