NSW public schools offer special religious education and special education in ethics, delivered by approved providers wherever available.
At Northlakes Public School, SRE and SEE is delivered on Tuesdays.
On enrolment parents/carers will be given the SRE and SEE participation letter to complete and return. This is also available using the notes home link on our webpage. After the initial enrolment, notification of changes to a child's enrolment in SRE/SEE should be given to the front office, in writing.
The following SRE classes are offered at Northlakes Public School:
Combined Christian SRE is provided by Australian Christian Churches. More information about Australian Christian Churches SRE, including the authorised curriculum scope and sequence, please visit their website: https://www.nswacc.org.au/sre
SEE is provided by Primary Ethics. For more information about SEE, including the authorised curriculum scope and sequence, please visit the Primary Ethics website: https://primaryethics.com.au/
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 such as reading, independent research or completing homework.
Christian SRE provides students with the opportunity to question, explore, and discover the Christian faith for themselves.
ACC is an Authorised Provider of SRE teachers. We offer online and Zoom SRE teacher training.
Your child can attend SRE by nominating Combined Christian SRE when completing the school enrolment form. If your child does not attend Christian SRE and you would like them to, simply contact your school to request they attend.
ABOUT SRE
In NSW, pastors and their representatives have the privilege of teaching the Christian faith to students in Government schools. Special Religious Education or SRE (Scripture) is mandated by the Education Act 1990 and allows all children to attend an SRE class at their school.
If your child’s school does not offer Christian SRE and you would like the opportunity to send your child to SRE, contact us for more information. For more guidance in promoting SRE in your church or becoming an SRE teacher, speak with your pastor and contact sre@nswacc.org.au
SPECIAL EDUCATION IN ETHICS (SEE)
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 teachers use 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
SEE is provided by Primary Ethics. You can find out more information about the program by calling (02) 8068 7752 and also from the Primary Ethics website.
* Permission note to allow your child to attend can be found in 'About Our School' - 'Notes'- 'SRE and SEE participation note'
During enrolment, you can choose a special religious education option for your child from the school’s available approved providers. You can withdraw your child from special religious education by selecting alternative meaningful activities, or special education in ethics if it’s available.
You can update your preference by writing to the school or through the online form available at participating schools.
Visit the department’s website for more information about religion and ethics.