Blacktown North Public School

Working with community to secure success for our students

Telephone02 9622 2968

Emailblacktownn-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au

Religion and ethics

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)

Scripture

At Blacktown North Public School, SRE and SEE is delivered on Friday from 1.55pm – 2.25pm for all students from K-6.

On enrolment parents/carers complete the SRE and SEE participation letter and return with the enrolment form.

A parent/carer may at any time notify the school in writing that they do not wish their child to attend SRE/SEE or to change their SRE/SEE nomination. Students continue in the same arrangement as the previous year, unless a parent/carer has requested a change.

All SRE/SEE teachers are authorised and trained by an approved provider.

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.

The following SRE and SEE classes are offered at Blacktown North Public School:

Special Religious Education (SRE): Catholic

Catholic SRE is provided by Catholic Diocese of Paramatta. More information about Catholic SRE, including the authorised curriculum scope and sequence, please visit the Catholic Diocese of Paramatta website (https://parracatholic.org/).

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): Christian Reformed Church

Christian Reformed Church SRE is provided by Christian Reformed Church of Australia. The curriculum is based on Good News about Jesus Christ and learning the key elements of our Christian life and culture. Christian SRE engages students in conversations as they question life, explore values and discover faith. More information about Christian SRE, including the authorised curriculum scope and sequence, please visit the Christian reformed churches of Australia website (https://www.crcanswsre.org.au/).

Special Religious Education (SRE): Sikh

Sikh SRE is provided by Australian Sihk Association. More information about Sikh SRE, including the authorised curriculum scope and sequence, please visit the Australian Sihk Association website (https://www.asaltd.org.au/).

Special Religious Education (SRE): Islamic  

Islamic SRE is provided by AL Jaafaria Society. More information about Islamic SRE, including the authorised curriculum scope and sequence, please visit the AL Jaafaria Society website (www.shiascripture.org.au).

Special Religious Education (SRE): Hindu  

Hindu SRE is provided by Vishwa Hindu Parishad of Australia Inc.  More information about Hindu SRE, including the authorised curriculum scope and sequence, please visit the Hindu Dharma Special Religious Education website (https://www.vhp.org.au/sre-hindu-dharma-scripture-classes).

Special Religious Education (SRE): Buddhist – Due to commence soon

Buddhist SRE is provided by Buddhist Council of NSW.  More information about Buddhist SRE, including the authorised curriculum scope and sequence, please visit the Buddhist Council website (http://www.buddhistcouncil.org/sre-program/).

Special Education in Ethics (SEE) – Due to commence soon

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 ethics coordinator and the Primary Ethics website (https://primaryethics.com.au/).

Link the participation letter here