Legislation has now been passed enabling children in NSW who don't go to SRE, to be given the option to attend ethics classes, if they are available. A new organisation, Primary Ethics, was established to create and deliver ethics classes to children in NSW primary schools.
We are not against ethics classes for children whose parents do not wish them to have special religious education. SRE classes help children explore ethical ideas and we believe all children should have such opportunities. Rather than speak against ethics classes we focus on promoting the benefits of SRE so that parents who are given a choice for their children between SRE and ethics, have good information to make that choice.
Download ppt Benefits of SRE.
A Brief History of Ethics Classes in NSW Schools
Just before the end of the 2010 school year a communication went to primary school principals from Brian Elliot then from the Department of Education and Training, outlining requirements for schools who want to include Ethics classes as an alternative in the SRE time slot in 2011.
Here is a summary, however there are many cases of these requirements not being followed. Download the full letter.
If a school wants ethics classes next year the principal must consult with the community.
There must be interest from 20 parents and 2 volunteers who are prepared to train as ethics teachers.
Once this is achieved the Principal contacts SJEC or the newly set up Primary Ethics group*.
Until any new course material is approved, the only material which will be taught is the material which made up the pilot lessons. One of the recommendations of the evaluation was that that each of the 10 lessons be taught over 2 weeks instead of 1. This means there is enough course material for 20 weeks.
The SRE Liaison officers will not be involved in monitoring or overseeing ethics classes.
According to the legislation, ethics lessons must take place at the same time as SRE lessons. This means that ethics providers cannot be involved in negotiating the timetabling of ethics lessons – they must accept what has been negotiated already.
* This new group set up by the St James Ethics Centre is dealing with all queries about classes being set up in 2011. The expectation is that it will raise funds, manage curriculum and organise training for volunteer teachers.
Letter to principals (download)
Letter for principals to send to parents of children who were withdrawn from SRE in 2010 (download)