NSW public schools offer special religious education and special education in ethics, delivered by approved providers wherever available.
At Rutherford Public School, Special Religious Education (SRE) and Special Education in Ethics (SEE) is delivered for half an hour on Tuesdays between 1:30-3:10pm.
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 office, in writing.
Christian SRE (commonly referred to as Scripture) is provided by SRE teachers from different Christian denominations and churches. The approved providers in this combined arrangement are Maitland Evangelical Church, Australian Christian Churches and Living Hope- Maitland Church of Christ. All Christian SRE teachers are authorised and trained by an approved provider.
The Christian SRE curriculum is authorised by Maitland Evangelical Church. 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 www.godspace.org.au/curriculum. Christian SRE engages students in conversations as they question life, explore values and discover faith.
SEE classes (Commonly referred to as Ethics) 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 respectful discussion.
SEE is provided by Primary Ethics. For more information about SEE, including the authorised curriculum scope and sequence, please visit the Primary Ethics website (primaryethics.com.au).
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 name activities (activities could include reading, private study or completing homework).
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.