“There are many subjects taught at St Francis College that are specifically designed to support those working in schools and with other young people. This study has allowed me to further develop the ethos of the school, to be nourished and to connect with the faith community and engage deeply, both with the content and the shared lived experiences uniting us a Christian community,” says St Francis College student Taryn Hirst.
The gifts of knowledge, of community and of connection — these are some of the many gifts that the staff, students and wider community of our Anglican schools are blessed to share. I began my journey in the Anglican school system as a primary teacher at Canterbury College in 2015. During this time, I was deeply aware of the gift that staff in Anglican schools offer their students — the opportunity to study faith and religion to help them become kind, culturally literate, big-hearted and open-minded people.
With the support of colleagues and Vanessa Gamack, Director of Anglican Identity, as well as the entirety of the Anglican Schools Commission, who walk alongside to support Anglican schools in their mission, I began to formally write and develop programs to support effective teaching and learning in the school’s religious education and service-learning space.
However, as a teacher, balancing the ongoing need to do more and be more can become all consuming. So, what is a solution? For me, this was further formal and informal study.
When I recommend undertaking study in the area of divinity or theology, I often receive one of three responses. Firstly, “what if I am judged because my theology or academic language isn’t up to scratch?” Secondly, “there are no subjects relevant to me because I don’t intend on becoming a chaplain and am not called to ordained ministry.” Lastly, “study is just not my thing.” Initially, I faced the same challenges, particularly the first two concerns. However, I was quickly and happily proven otherwise.
In 2021, I began my Graduate Certificate in Divinity with St Francis Theological College with the intention of bettering my theological understanding to support staff and students to personally engage in and teach critical and reflective thinking about faith. It took a single lecture for me realise that I was being offered much more than that. I have had, and continue to have, the blessing of working with people of all ages from all walks of life and denominations that are on various pathways and callings.
While I successfully completed my Graduate Certificate in Divinity in 2023, I knew my journey of learning was not “done and dusted”. I started missing the sense of community and the opportunity to engage in regular rich and life-giving discussions that I engaged in during my postgraduate study. While I was not in a position to continue formal study; thankfully, I was able to continue studying in an auditing capacity.
Auditing allows for the full experience of learning and collaborating without the pressure to complete assessment and also at less expense. Yes, I occasionally fall off the bandwagon and there are some weeks when the looming student report cards and additional tasks take priority, and that’s okay. This is because auditing allows for additional flexibility when it comes to study because all sessions are recorded and can be accessed at any time and all questions and concerns are respected. I have been, and know I always will be, supported by the staff and students of St Francis College. Even though I am not currently completing formal study, I am able to model lifelong learning to colleagues and students and it is through these weekly auditing sessions that I have particularly witnessed myself and others flourish. Consequently, I leave each session with an overwhelming sense of awe. It is through this that I have found greater joy and deep satisfaction in the work I do.
There are many subjects taught at St Francis College that are specifically designed to support those working in schools and with other young people. This study has allowed me to further develop the ethos of the school, to be nourished and to connect with the faith community and engage deeply, both with the content and the shared lived experiences uniting us a Christian community.
Regardless of whether you are formally writing Religious Education curriculum or other curriculum, every staff member in an Anglican school has a responsibility to encourage the development of values and reasoning within an Anglican framework and to understand how religious beliefs and practices inform behaviour and influence personal and social decision making.
Regardless of whether or not you work within a school environment, the staff at St Francis College work tirelessly to ensure all their students feel safe, supported and able to succeed. Formal study and auditing are available and achievable for people of all different learning styles, ages, interests and goals to grow in a supportive community of practice. I wholeheartedly know I am the person and educator I am today because of the opportunities that St Francis College has offered me, and I eagerly await the personal and professional growth that will occur whilst on my ongoing study journey.
In the words of Proverbs 1.5 “Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance”. Take the leap into study — it’s certainly worth it!
Editor’s note: If you found this feature interesting and you are keen to explore theological education, then please join in the following Open Days:
St Francis College Open Day: Saturday 25 May 2023, 9.30am-12.30pm. For more information and registration details please visit the St Francis College website.
Seekers Day: Saturday 25 May 2023, 12:30pm-3.00pm (also at St Francis College). For more information about exploring vocation and registration details, please visit St Francis College website.
For semester two subject information, please visit the St Francis College website or contact the Registrar, Linda Burridge, on (07) 3514 7424 or via registrar@ministryeducation.org.au.
St Francis College is the provider of theological education and formation for ordination for the Anglican Church Southern Queensland.
University of Divinity
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