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.
At Armidale City Public School, Special Religious Education (SRE) and Special Education in Ethics (SEE) is delivered on Tuesday from 9.15am – 10am for Years 1-6 students and from 10.05am – 10.35am for Kindergarten 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 office, in writing.
The following SRE classes are offered at Armidale City Public School:
Catholic SRE (E.g. Catholic SRE) is provided by Catholic Diocese of Armidale. More information about Catholic SRE, including the authorised curriculum scope and sequence, please visit the Catholic Diocese of Armidale website (http://armidale.catholic.org.au/confraternity-of-christian-doctrine).
Christian SRE is provided by Anglican Diocese of Armidale, Baptist Union of NSW and the Presbyterian Church of Australia. More information about Christian SRE, including the authorised curriculum scope and sequence, please visit the Connect - CEP website (https://cepconnect.com.au/curriculum).
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, private study 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 the Anglican Diocese of Armidale, Baptist Union of NSW and the Presbyterian Church of Australia. All Christian SRE teachers are authorised and trained by an approved provider.
The Christian SRE curriculum is authorised by Anglican Diocese of Armidale, Baptist Union of NSW and the Presbyterian Church of Australia. 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://cepconnect.com.au/curriculum. 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 http://armidale.catholic.org.au/confraternity-of-christian-doctrine.
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 from the Primary Ethics Website - https://primaryethics.com.au.