NSW public schools offer special religious education and special education in ethics, delivered by approved providers wherever available.
SRE in schools
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.
At Concord High School, SRE is delivered on Fridays, 11.05-11.55am and 11.55-12.45 am, for Years 7 and 8 for Terms 1 and 2, and Years 9 and 10 for Terms 3 and 4. Years 11 and 12 have a once-a-term seminar.
On enrolment, parents/carers will be given the SRE participation letter (PDF 137 KB) to complete and return. After the initial enrolment, notification of changes to a student's enrolment in SRE or private study should be given in writing to the principal, either in a letter or using the above SRE participation letter template.
The following SRE classes are offered at Concord High School:
Option 1: Catholic
What is SRE? SRE is the time set aside in Government Schools for Catechists (also called SRE Teachers) from the local Catholic Church to teach Catholic children about Jesus and his message of salvation. SRE is mandated by the Education Act (1990) and gives parents the choice to have children formed in the faith of their family.
Why is SRE Taught? The Catholic Church sees the education of Catholic children in the Faith as integral and key to its mission. The NSW Department of Education (DOE) describes SRE “as an integral part of school activities.” SRE can be seen then, as part of “a well-rounded education that values and supports the intellectual, creative, physical, social, spiritual and emotional development of each child.”
What is Taught? Catholic SRE teaching programs are approved by the Bishop of the Diocese in liaison with educational experts, for use by SRE Teachers. Programs contain suitable lessons for students from Year 7 to Year 12. Roman Catholic SRE is provided by Holy Innocents' Parish Croydon. This Parish belongs to the Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney. For more information about Roman Catholic SRE, including the authorised curriculum scope and sequence, please visit Catholic Diocese of Sydney
Option 2: Combined Christian
Christian SRE is education in Christian beliefs and practices for children of families from various Christian denominations and churches. Christian SRE teachers at this school are authorised and trained by the following approved SRE providers; Anglican Diocese of Sydney, Australian Christian Churches, Baptist Union of NSW, Presbyterian Church of Australia (NSW). With teachers from St James Croydon (Anglican Diocese of Sydney), Petersham Assembly of God (Australian Christian Churches), Concord Baptist Church (Baptist Union of NSW), Cornerstone Concord (Presbyterian Church of Australia NSW) and Burwood Presbyterian Church.
The Christian SRE curriculum used in this school is produced by Christian Education Publications and is approved by each SRE provider. The curriculum explores the good news about Jesus Christ found in the Bible and the depth of God’s love for people. Each lesson has been developed to be taught in an age-appropriate manner. Lessons include activities which make the lessons fun and inclusive for all students and give them the opportunity to critically explore and deepen their faith, pray, and reflect.
Research has shown that SRE contributes to students’ wholistic education as it nurtures their spiritual wellbeing. For more information about the SRE curriculum used in this school visit whysre.com.au.
Option 3: Islamic
Islamic scripture is the largest scale educational initiative in Australia which provides comprehensive education opportunities for Muslim children, equipping them with fundamental Islamic life skills and knowledge.
Our ability to engage with students is an incredible privilege. Through educating, nurturing and supporting our students, we can truly make a world of difference in their lives, their communities and society as a whole.
Our dedicated team of volunteer teachers and curriculum writers are committed to creating engaging and insightful lessons that all students can benefit from.
Currently, our team of over 400 volunteer staff teach more than 26,500 students each week. This equates to nearly 400 Hours of Islamic learning in the school life of each child.
Our program uniquely caters for key learning stages in your child’s school life. Throughout the years, students will cover everything from the basics of faith- such as the pillars of Iman and Islam, to morals and manners, Islamic celebrations, prophets and role models as well as ethics and how to develop a positive sense of identity.
We believe these topics will set the foundations for life-long learning and a healthy Islamic outlook which will enable students to develop a stronger connection with their Creator, and hence a stronger connection with themselves, their school, their community and society as a whole.
Option 4: Greek Orthodox
Lessons focus on an Orthodox way of life and identity. Lessons include more than Bible knowledge they help develop the religious sense of each child. Students are shown how to pray, make the sign of the Cross and the importance of the Sacraments.
Greek Orthodox SRE is provided by Saint Nectarios Burwood. For more information about Greek Orthodox SRE, including the authorised curriculum scope and sequence, please visit Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia (Redfern)
If you do not wish your child to attend SRE
During the time that SRE classes are held, students not attending will be located in a separate space (roll call room) and will participate in private study (with their roll call teacher).
SEE is provided by Primary Ethics. For more information about SEE, including authorised curriculum scope and sequence, please visit Primary Ethics.
Other activities of a religious nature
Our school has an open Christian lunchtime group every Friday, provided by the same group as the Combined Christian SRE. Contact the school to find out more information.