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 Concord Public School, SRE and SEE is delivered on Thursdays from 2:25-3:00pm.
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 Concord Public School, in writing.
The following SRE classes are offered at Concord Public School:
Special Religious Education (SRE): Catholic SRE
Catholic SRE is provided by the Catholic Diocese of Sydney. More information about Catholic SRE, including the authorised curriculum scope and sequence, please visit the Catholic Diocese of Sydney
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://ccd.sydneycatholic.org/about-ccd/what-is-sre/
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 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 Presbyterian Church of Australia in the State of New South Wales. All Christian SRE teachers are authorised and trained by an approved provider.
The Christian SRE curriculum is authorised by Connect: published by Christian Education Publications, Youthworks Media. 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): Greek Orthodox SRE
Special Religious Education (or Scripture as it is better known) complements the general education of Greek Orthodox children. Scripture classes focus on an Orthodox way of life and identity.
The lessons include much more than Bible knowledge. These are not classes on ethics. They help develop the religious sense of each child. For instance, they are shown how to pray, how to make the sign of the Cross and the importance of the Sacraments in our life. Children are taught the hymns of the Church. They are acquainted with the Liturgy and Feasts of the Orthodox Church.
The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia encourages all its members to be involved in Special Religious Education to enrich local school communities. Participation is free and entirely voluntary and only at the discretion of the parents or guardians.
For more information about the Greek Orthodox SRE curriculum go to their website: http://www.greekorthodox.org.au/?page_id=3854
Special Education in Ethics (SEE)
SEE is provided by Primary Ethics. For more information about SEE, including the authorised curriculum scope and sequence, please visit the Primary Ethics website.
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.
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 including reading, drawing and private study.