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 Sandy Beach Public School, SRE is delivered on Wednesdays. On enrolment parents/carers will be given the SRE and SEE information pamphlets as well as a participation letter to complete and return.
The following SRE classes are offered at Sandy Beach Public School:
Special Religious Education (SRE): Combined Christian SRE
Combined Christian SRE (scripture) classes are taught by trained and authorised teachers from different Christian denominations and churches. In Coffs Harbour region SRE teachers are authorised and cross-authorised by Anglican Diocese of Grafton, Australian Christian Churches, Baptist Union of NSW, Catholic Diocese of Lismore, Christian Community Churches of Australia, C3 Church NSW, Churches of Christ in NSW (Fresh Hope), Evangelical Brotherhood Church, Lutheran Church of Australia, NSW District, Wesleyan Methodist Church of Australia, Presbyterian Church of Australia (NSW), The Salvation Army, Seventh-Day Adventist Church North NSW Conference and Uniting Church in Australia (NSW Synod).
The curriculums used are GodSpace, authorised by Baptist Union of NSW and in some schools Big Questions:Connect for yr 6 only, authorised by Anglican Diocese of Sydney. Both curriculums are based on Good News about Jesus Christ and learning the key elements of our Christian life and culture and can be found at https://nswactbaptists.org.au/authorised-sre-curriculum/ Christian SRE engages students in conversations as they question life, explore values and discover faith.
The combined arrangement is facilitated by Coffs Coast Schools Ministry Inc. www.ccsm.org.au
https://education.nsw.gov.au/teaching-and-learning/curriculum/learning-across-the-curriculum/religion-and-ethics/support-materials/school-website-suggested-text
Special Education in Ethics (SEE)
SEE is provided by Primary Ethics. 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 Maryann Rush, Role-Teacher and the Primary Ethics Website- https://primaryethics.com.au/ . For more information about SEE, including the authorised curriculum scope and sequence, please visit the Primary Ethics website.
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.
SRE contact Rev. Simon Reeve