My name is Annabel, and I am a dedicated and high-achieving student at Santa Maria College. With aspirations of pursuing my dream career, I am committed to making the most of my education and utilizing every opportunity to excel in the subjects that are relevant and essential to my future. However, the current requirement that mandates taking Religious Education (RE) as a compulsory subject in both ATAR and general pathways is hindering my ability to fully pursue the courses that are critical for my career path.

At present, Santa Maria College enforces a curriculum that requires all students, regardless of their personal beliefs or career goals, to complete Religious Education as part of their senior secondary schooling. This compulsory subject allocation takes away valuable time and resources that I and many other students could be using to focus on subjects that align more closely with our academic interests and professional ambitions.

While I fully respect and acknowledge the importance of learning about various worldviews and fostering a sense of understanding and inclusivity among students, I firmly believe that this should be a choice, not an obligation. Students should have the flexibility to decide if they want to engage in Religious Education based on personal preference, interest, and career needs.

Look at comparable educational systems that emphasize student choice and flexibility in subject selection. For instance, schools in certain regions around the world, like Finland and parts of the United States, offer optional courses in religion or alternative subjects like ethics or philosophy, thus catering to a wider range of interests and future career fields. This approach not only respects student autonomy but also enhances the overall educational experience by allowing students to invest deeply in their chosen areas of study.

I urge Santa Maria College to revisit and reform the current educational policy by removing the mandatory status of Religious Education in the senior secondary curriculum. Instead, I propose that Religious Education can be offered as an optional subject, complemented by alternative courses that support diversified learning and career preparation.

Please sign this petition to help Santa Maria College recognise the importance of student choice in our education system, and allow us to prepare for our futures in the most effective way possible.