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) & Special Education in Ethics (SEE)
At Mittagong Public School, SRE and SEE is delivered on Thursdays from 2:05pm - 2:45pm.
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 class teachers in writing or you can complete a change of participation form online on our school website (see ‘Online Forms’).
Please be aware that numbers in some SRE/SEE classes are limited and/or will only be offered if there are adequate numbers for a class. It is advisable to list several preferences.
During the time that SRE/SEE classes are being held, students not attending will be located in a separate space and will participate in quiet activities (activities could include reading, private study or completing homework).
The following SRE classes are offered at Mittagong Public School:
Protestant (Christian) SRE
Christian SRE is provided by SRE teachers from different Christian denominations and churches in our local area. The approved provider in this combined arrangement is Anglican Youthworks. All Christian SRE teachers are authorised and trained by the approved provider.
The Christian SRE curriculum is authorised by Anglican Youthworks. 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.
For more information about Protestant SRE, including the authorised curriculum scope and sequence, please visit the Christian Education Publication (CEP) Connect website https://cepconnect.com.au/learningathome/.
Catholic SRE - currently not available
Catholic SRE provides students an Education that is centred around an encounter with Jesus through prayer, Christian moral and ethical teaching, rich religious tradition and practice, and a holistic approach to life and faith. Teachers (Catechists) are authorised by the local Parish Priest; are trained by Wollongong Diocesan staff and undergo relevant checks as stipulated by the NSW Government. Catholic SRE is not currently available due to lack of availability of teachers.
Additional information and sample lessons can be located on the Catholic SRE website http://www.ccdwollongong.com
Special Education in Ethics (SEE) - Currently only year 2
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 https://primaryethics.com.au/education/ .