SRE - Special Religious Education
SPECIAL RELIGIOUS EDUCATION and ETHICS
A feature of the public education system in NSW is the opportunity to provide time in class for education in ethics, faith and morality from a religious or non-religious perspective at the choice of parents. Special Religious Education (SRE) is education in the beliefs and practices of an approved religious persuasion by authorized representatives of that persuasion. SRE was previously known as ‘scripture’.
At Clarence Town Public School, SRE and SEE is delivered on Fridays from 12:20 - 1:20pm (12:20 - 12:50pm for K-2 students and from 12:50 – 1:20pm for Years 3-6 students).
On enrolment parents/carers will be given the SRE and SEE participation letter (consider uploading and hyperlinking your schools letter) to complete and return. After the initial enrolment, notification of changes to a child's enrolment in SRE/SEE should be given to the school office, in writing.
Christian SRE is provided by SRE teachers from different Christian denominations and churches. The approved provider in this combined arrangement is Presbyterian Church of Australia (NSW). All Christian SRE teachers are authorised and trained by an approved provider.
The Christian SRE curriculum is authorised by Presbyterian Church of Australia (NSW). The curriculum is based on Good News about Jesus Christ and learning the key elements of our Christian life and culture and can be found at https://godspace.org.au///wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Scope-and-Sequence-Purple-2023.pdf. Christian SRE engages students in conversations as they question life, explore values and discover faith.
SEE classes support children to develop a life-long capacity for making well-reasoned decisions about ethical issues. Through balanced argument students learn to disagree respectfully, to challenge ideas and to support their arguments with considered evidence. Our volunteer SEE teacher uses lesson materials which present a range of stories, scenarios and questions to generate discussion. SEE teachers are trained to impartially facilitate student discussions, helping students develop their critical thinking and collaborative inquiry skills. SEE teachers support student learning by:
showing genuine curiosity and interest in the questions being discussed
staying neutral
creating space for students to think, share ideas, give reasons and ensuring respectful discussion.
SEE is provided by Primary Ethics. To find out more information about the program please contact the school.
During the time that SRE/SEE classes are being held, students not attending will be located in a separate space and will participate in meaningful activities.