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.
Special Religious Education (SRE) and Special Education in Ethics (SEE)
At Lane Cove West Public School, Special Religious Education (SRE) and Special Education in Ethics (SEE) is delivered on Tuesday : 9.30-10am for K-2 students and 10.05-10.35am for Years 3-6 students.
On enrolment parents/carers will be given the SRE and SEE participation 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 Deputy Principal in writing. Changes can only be fulfilled if class size and volunteer numbers permit.
The following SRE classes are offered at Lane Cove West Public School:
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 on Catholic SRE click here
Special Religious Education (SRE): Jewish SRE
Jewish SRE is provided by the NSW Board of Jewish Education (BJE). All teachers undergo a selection process and are trained in the professional delivery of the curriculum and in classroom management. The curriculum is developed by BJE’s professionally trained educators taking childhood development milestones into account. Focusing initially on Jewish festivals, the curriculum explores a wide range of Jewish values, ethics and traditions keeping a balanced perspective through engaging and thought-provoking activities. Students are encouraged to think critically, and share their insights, value their Jewish heritage whilst respecting others, and aspire to participate in the Jewish and Australian communities.
For more information on Jewish SRE click here
Special Religious Education (SRE) The Baha’i Faith (SRE)
The goal of Baha’i education is to cultivate in children spiritual qualities such as love, forgiveness and justice, and to help them apply these qualities to their own lives and those around them. Students develop patterns of behaviour that lead to a fruitful and productive life and to become aware of God’s love for humanity and His unfailing assistance through learning about the life and teachings of God’s Manifestations including: Abraham, Krishna, Zoroaster, Moses, Buddha, Jesus, Muhammad, the Báb and Bahá’u’lláh.
For more information on The Baha’i Faith SRE click here
Special Religious Education (SRE): Protestant SRE
Protestant SRE is provided by 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 years K-6. 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 learning fun and inclusive for children and young people, and also give them the opportunity to critically explore and deepen their faith, pray, and reflect.
For more information on Protestant SRE click here
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.
For more information on Special Education in Ethics click here.
Alternative Meaningful Activities may also be known as 'non-SRE'
Students not attending SRE or SEE will be provided with supervised 'Alternative Meaningful Activities'. These activities will not compete with SRE/SEE and are not lessons in the curriculum. Suitable activities may include reading, private study, completing homework or other activities as considered to be appropriate by the school community.