NSW public schools offer special religious education and special education in ethics, delivered by approved providers wherever available.
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.
About religion and ethics
The Education Act 1990 states 'in every government school, time is to be allowed for the religious education of children of any religious persuasion'. Special education in ethics (SEE) is offered as a secular alternative to special religious education.
Special religious education (SRE) is education in the beliefs and practices of an approved religious persuasion. Special education in ethics (SEE) is a program in ethical decision making, action and reflection within a secular framework. At Mount Keira Demonstration Public School we currently offer Protestant and SEE course provided by Primary Ethics.
The SRE and SEE programs are taught by volunteers from organisations approved by the Department of Education. They are often parents, grandparents, carers or lay volunteers from a local congregation. The volunteers undergo a police background check, a working with children check and have been trained by the SRE or SEE organisations. Our classes are held on Wednesday between 12:00pm-12.40pm. Children not attended either SRE or SEE are supervised by teachers.
If you would like to change the course your child is currently enrolled in please send a written request to the office.
Special Religious Education - Protestant
Anglican SRE is provided by Anglican teachers who are authorised and trained by the Anglican Diocese of Sydney, who are an approved SRE provider. Teachers provide education in Christian beliefs and practices for children in Mount Keira Demonstration School. The SRE curriculum used in this school is produced by Christian Education Publications and is approved by the SRE provider. The curriculum explores the good news about Jesus Christ found in the Bible and the depth of God’s love for people. Each lesson has been developed to be taught in an age-appropriate manner. Lessons include activities which make the lessons fun and inclusive for children and young people, and also give them the opportunity to critically explore and deepen their faith, pray, and reflect.
Research has shown that SRE contributes to students’ wholistic education as it nurtures their spiritual wellbeing. For more information about the SRE curriculum used in this school visit whysre.com.au
Special Education in Ethics
Ethics classes support children to develop a life-long capacity for making well-reasoned decisions about ethical issues. Through the give-and-take of reasoned argument students learn to disagree respectfully, to challenge ideas and to support their arguments with considered evidence rather than according to habit or peer pressure. Our volunteer ethics teachers, which are trained members of the school and broader community, use detailed lesson materials which present a range of stories, scenarios and questions to generate discussion. Ethics teachers are trained to impartially facilitate student discussions, helping students develop their critical thinking and collaborative inquiry skills. Ethics teachers support student learning by:
- modelling the inquiry process – by asking questions and encouraging discussion
- showing genuine curiosity and interest in the questions being discussed
- staying neutral – ethics teachers are trained to keep their own views out of the discussion
- creating a positive learning environment – by allowing students time to think, and encouraging students to share ideas and give reasons
The Special Education in Ethics program is provided by Primary Ethics. You can find out more information about the program from the UPS ethics coordinator via email at pecoordups@gmail.com and the Primary Ethics Website.
Currently our Ethics classes are offered to Stages 1 and Stage 3.