Northlakes Public School

Respectful Safe Learners

Telephone02 4399 2071

Emailnorthlake-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au

Religion and ethics

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 Tuesday from time.

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 Central Coast Christian SRE. More information about name of denomination SRE, including the authorised curriculum scope and sequence, please visit their website: http://www.huntersre.org.au/central-coast-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.

Special Religious Education (SRE): Combined Christian SRE

Christian SRE is provided by SRE teachers from different Christian denominations and churches. The approved providers in this combined arrangement are Central Coast Christian SRE. All Christian SRE teachers are authorised and trained by the approved provider.

The Christian SRE curriculum is authorised by Central Coast Christian SRE. 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://www.faithlifevalues.com.au/ Christian SRE engages students in conversations as they question life, explore values and discover faith.

Special Religious Education (SRE): Catholic SRE

Catholic SRE teachers (also known as Catechists) are authorised by the local parish and trained by the Diocese of the Catholic Church.

The Catholic SRE curriculum is approved by the Bishop of the Diocese in liaison with religious education experts. Lessons include activities that are fun and inclusive for students, whilst also providing them the opportunity to critically explore in depth their faith and to pray and reflect. For more information about the Catholic SRE curriculum go to https://www.bbcatholic.org.au/parish-community/ministries/ccd/curriculum

Catholic SRE teachers engage young people in hearing the Good News about Jesus Christ and learning the key elements of our Christian life and culture

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.