NSW public schools offer special religious education and special education in ethics, delivered by approved providers wherever available.
Parents nominate if they wish their child to attend special religious education or special education in ethics classes, or non-SRE/SEE classes. For more information, visit Religion and ethics.
At Bexley North Public School, the SRE/SEE program is delivered on Thursdays from 1:50 - 2:20pm for K-2 students and from 2.20-2.50pm for Years 3-6 students.
During the time that SRE/SEE classes are being held, there will be no academic instruction delivered or formal school activities. Children will therefore not be missing any class work by attending SRE/SEE classes. Students attending non-SRE/SEE classes will participate in meaningful activities such as reading, private study or completing their own work.
During the year, notification of changes to a child's enrolment in SRE/SEE classes should be given to the class teacher in writing.
Special Religious Education (SRE)
Parents and carers in public schools have the right to have their child receive instruction in their preferred religious persuasion, where authorised teachers of that persuasion are available.
A Special Religious Education (SRE) program is available at Bexley North Public School and is run by authorised volunteers of approved religious persuasions. For details about the specific SRE programs, please see below. Alternatively, parents may choose for their child not to attend SRE classes.
The following SRE classes are currently offered at Bexley North Public School:
Anglican
Anglican SRE is provided by the Anglican Diocese of Sydney. For more information about Anglican SRE, including the authorised curriculum scope and sequence, please visit https://whysre.com.au
Catholic Special Religious Education (SRE)
Catholic SRE is provided by the Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney. Catholic SRE “Scripture” teachers (also known as Catechists) are authorised by the local Catholic parish and trained by the Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney. The Catholic SRE curriculum is approved by the Archbishop in liaison with religious education experts. Lessons include activities that are fun and inclusive for students, whilst also providing them with opportunities to critically explore the Christian faith in depth and to pray and reflect. Catholic SRE teachers engage young people in hearing the Good News of Jesus Christ and learning the key elements of our Christian life and culture. For more information about Catholic SRE, including the authorised curriculum, see: https://www.sydneycatholic.org/education/#scripture
ISLAMIC SCRIPTURE
NAME: Al Jaafaria Society
Denomination: Shia Islamic SRE
Our website has all information regarding scope and sequence as well as the curriculum.
Website: https://www.shiascripture.org.au/
Special Education in Ethics (SEE)
The Special Education in Ethics program (SEE) is provided by Primary Ethics. SEE is a program in ethical decision making, action and reflection within a secular framework and is offered at Bexley North PS as an alternative to special religious education (SRE). You can find-out more information about the program from the Primary Ethics website www.primaryethics.com.au
Greek Orthodox
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. 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 has authorised the material and pedagogy used by teachers. This is the curricula of the Pantanassa Monastery. Some details of the curriculum is provided to the public on website: https://pantanassamonastery.org/scripture-lessons/
Withdrawing from Special Religious Education
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.