Christian SRE provides students with an opportunity to explore questions about life, faith and spirituality through the teachings of the Bible.

Christian SRE aims to:

1. Provide students with opportunities to explore spiritual and life questions.
2. Support students to consider ethical and moral issues and develop their understanding of values.
3. Provide pastoral support and encouragement within a caring environment.

Christian SRE is delivered by volunteers from local churches approved by Approved SRE Providers. SRE teachers have WWCC, receive training in working with children and use authorised curriculum materials prepared by teaching professionals.

Curriculum

Kindergarten - Year 5 use GodSpace Curriculum - find out more here https://godspace.org.au/curriculum/

Year 6 use Big Questions Curriculum - find out more here www.whysre.com.au/sre-curriculum/cep-curriculum-overview/

For further information about Combined Christian SRE, please contact Emma Ridley, Combined Christian SRE Coordinator, at emma@carlingford-baptist.org

Buddhist

Our school is pleased to offer Buddhist SRE through two approved providers.

Hwa Tsang Monastery

Hwa Tsang Monastery has been an accredited provider of Special Religious Education in NSW public schools since 1997. Authorised Venerables and trained volunteers deliver engaging lessons based on Buddhist teachings and values.

The curriculum is based on the Junior Buddhist Studies and Senior Buddhist Studies texts by Venerable Yin Shun, with supplementary materials adapted for Australian schools.

Further information is available at: https://www.hwatsangmonastery.org.au/?page_id=143

Buddhist Council of NSW

The Buddhist Council of NSW is an approved provider of Buddhist SRE in NSW public schools. Lessons are delivered by trained and authorised volunteers and focus on Buddhist teachings, mindfulness, compassion, kindness and ethical living.

At our school, this program is led by Nhan Phan and trained Buddhist Council volunteers.

Further information is available at: https://www.buddhistcouncil.org/sre-program/

Catholic

Catholic Special Religious Education (SRE) is delivered by trained Catechists, also known as Scripture Teachers. Students learn about Jesus and his message in the Gospel.

The program encourages students to explore Christian teachings and develop an understanding of values, relationships and moral decision-making. Students are encouraged to consider how their faith can guide them in making positive choices and contributing to their community.

The Catholic SRE program, Christ Our Light and Life, is approved by the Archdiocese of Sydney and developed in consultation with educational experts. Catechists are approved, authorised and trained to deliver the program.

Further information about the curriculum can be found at:
www.ccdsydney.catholic.edu.au/currRes.html

For further information about Catholic SRE, please contact Christ the King Parish, North Rocks, on 9873 4340 or visit: https://northrockscatholic.org.au/

Islamic

Islamic SRE provides students with opportunities to learn about the foundations of Islam and teachings that are shared across the Muslim community.

Teachers are trained in cultural and religious sensitivity and seek to provide learning experiences that are appropriate for students within a diverse school environment.

The Islamic SRE curriculum explores areas including:

• Islamic events and traditions
• Good manners and character
• Islamic practices common to Muslims
• Living harmoniously within Australian society while practising Islam

Stories and age-appropriate activities are used to help students explore Islamic teachings and consider how these teachings can be applied to everyday life.

Further information can be found at:
www.isre.org.au/

Special Education in Ethics (SEE)

SEE is available for students in Kindergarten to Year 6 as a secular alternative to SRE. It is education in ethical decision-making, action and reflection, drawing on a branch of philosophy rather than any religious tradition.

Classes are delivered by trained volunteers from our school community - often parents and grandparents. SEE teachers are trained to impartially facilitate discussion instead of providing or suggesting answers. In each class, they:

• Present students with stories, scenarios and questions to prompt discussion
• Stay neutral, so students form and test their own views
• Create space for students to think, share ideas and give reasons
• Encourage respectful disagreement and constructive challenge

Through this process, students build a capacity for well-reasoned ethical decision-making.

SEE is provided by Primary Ethics. You can find out more about the program and topics explored here - Primary Ethics curriculum, or by contacting helpdesk@primaryethics.com.au