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 Castle Cove Public School, SRE and SEE is delivered on Wednesday from 12pm - 12.30pm for K-2 students and from 12.35pm - 1.10pm 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 school office, in writing. All changes will occur at the beginning of each term.
The following SRE/SEE classes are offered at Castle Cove Public School:
Catholic SRE
Catholic SRE is provided by Broken Bay Diocese. More information about Catholic SRE, including the authorised curriculum scope and sequence, please visit the Broken Bay Diocese website. Catholic SRE teachers (also known as Catechists) are authorised by the local parish and trained by the Diocese of the Catholic Church.
Students explore the Good News about Jesus. They will learn about God's love in a safe, fun environment. Trained SRE teachers use authorised curriculum materials that are interactive and age appropriate. The lessons are fun and inclusive and focus on love, goodness and hope which helps to build resilience, character and faith.
Combined Christian SRE
Christian SRE is provided by SRE teachers from different denominations and churches. The approved providers in this combined arrangement are St Barnabas Anglican Church Roseville East. All Christian SRE teachers are authorised and trained by an approved provider.
The Christian SRE curriculum is authorised by the Anglican Diocese of Sydney. 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 here. Christian SRE engages students in conversations as they question life, explore values and discover faith.
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 please see BJE's website.
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 and give reasons
SEE is provided by Primary Ethics. you can find out more information about the program from the Primary Ethics website.
Baha'i SRE
Baha'i Education classes aim to contribute to the awakening and development of the spiritual nature of every child who attends. Baha'i SRE is provided by The Local Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Willoughby/The National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Australia.
What is taught in class? Recognition of God as teh Creator is a central focus for the classes. The Baha'i teachings emphasise the unity of religions and acknowledges the diversity of the human family. Classes include such topics as Kingdoms of God, Religions of the World, Peace Studies, Conflict Resolution and Consultation.
Classroom activities encourage an understanding and use of universal moral values or virtues. Virtues are qualities of character: the common thread of spirituality linking all cultures and sacred traditions, such as respect, responsibility and courtesy. Recognition of the unique qualities of each individual develops strong self-esteem and compassion for others.
How are classes taught? Children learn through prayer and meditation, music and song, games, craft, role play, stories, brainstorming and discussion, individual and group projects utilising cooperative learning strategies and providing for individual learning styles.
Non SRE/SEE
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 for example: silent reading, private study or completing homework.