Religion has always played a valued part in the education provided by NSW government schools. The NSW Public Instruction Act of 1880 set down the pattern of teaching that exists to this day, based on a dual system of secular instruction (which includes general religious education) and special religious education.
Public schools exist to support parents in the education and development of their children. As a society, we want an education system that does more than just equip children academically. We’ve recognised that things like music, drama, or sport (and a whole variety of other things) are valuable in helping young people develop into mature, society-contributing adults. Religious education fits into this category, possessing educational and cultural value that contributes to the holistic development of our children.
NSW is a diverse, multicultural community and SRE reflects that diversity. It doesn’t trivialise religion or different beliefs. Instead, it celebrates diversity and gives students the opportunity to understand and explore the world from a genuine faith perspective.
The times for SRE lessons are to be fixed by negotiation between the principal of the school and the approved religious providers who will run the program. Lessons must be at least 30 minutes per week, with a maximum of one hour per week.
I was educated in NSW. My family did not attend church except for Christmas and Easter. I never went to Sunday school. But I learnt about the Bible in my school days because there was SRE available. Later in life I went through a nervous breakdown ... I knew that God loved me because I went to SRE and I recovered from bad post-traumatic stress disorder because I sought Christians who prayed for me and gave me support.Annette