The Education Act 1990 states in every government school, time is to be allowed for the religious education of children of any religious persuasion.
Parents/carers in public schools have the right to have their children receive instruction in their preferred religious persuasion, where authorised teachers of that persuasion are available.
At WBHS, Special Religious Education (SRE) is offered to all Year 7 students. The SRE program is funded by the Warners Bay Christian Education Association. SRE lessons are delivered via weekly class lessons for eight weeks each term. This is a very well organised program and is not linked to any specific denomination. The program allows students the chance to discuss, question, think and ultimately make decisions for themselves regarding the Christian faith.
Students who do not attend SRE are supervised by their teachers in self-directed study, homework or reading. Parent/carers indicate their decision regarding participation in SRE as part of the enrolment procedure. However, this can be changed at any time. If you would like your child to participate or withdraw from SRE, please advise the school in writing.
For more information about SRE in NSW government schools, please visit: Religion and ethics. To learn more about the SRE program at WBHS, please visit www.wbcea.org.au.
NSW schools offer special religious education and special education in ethics. Approved providers deliver these, where available.
Write to the school if you wish to withdraw your child from special religious education, sometimes known as scripture. Special education in ethics is an option for your primary-age child if you withdraw them from special religious education. For more information, visit Religion and ethics.
The Warners Bay Christian Education Association funds and supports Special Religious Education at Warners Bay High School. Trained SRE teachers deliver the programs which can be found on the Curriculum page.
Overview of Content
T1- Bible Basics
Students will be introduced to the layout of the Bible, understanding that the Bible is a collection of books written by many authors covering hundreds of years of history. Students will be able to grasp the basic messages and purpose of the Old Testament, the New Testament and the Gospels. Students will gain a basic understanding of the historical and geographical context of the Bible.
T2- Evidence for the Historical and Biblical Jesus
Students will explore the evidence that supports the belief that Jesus was a real historical figure. They will examine both Biblical and other historical evidence, to investigate the claims Christians make about who Jesus was. Student learn about the aspects of Jesus that Christians believe make him the Son of God.
T3- Made for Relationships
Students will explore the teachings and example of Jesus regarding relationships. Students will understand that God is relational and because humans were made in his image, humans are relational beings as well. Specifically looking at Galatians 5: 22-23 students will apply the fruits of the spirit to a range of different relationships. Examples of Jesus teachings and interactions with people will be used to illustrate those fruits of the spirit.
T4- Biblical Themes in Popular Culture
Students will explore the way the Bible has influence the world around them. Exploring aspects of pop culture students will identify themes and ideas that are explicitly Biblical. Students will investigate how authors and creators are influenced by Biblical themes and how those themes are still considered relevant today.
FAQ about SRE
What is SRE?
SRE stands for Special Religious Education. Meaning education in one specific religion rather than an overview on all world religions. In this case Non-Denominational Christian.
What work will my child miss out on if they do SRE?
No core work is done in other classes while SRE is on. This is so students who choose SRE don’t miss out or get left behind in any way. This is DEC policy, so students don’t have a conflict of choice.
What will my child be taught?
SRE is taught from the WBCEA Discovery Curriculum which is approved by the NSW Baptist Association (who is this schools approved SRE provider). To learn more and to see a program outline please visit Warners Bay Christian Education Association or feel free to email our SRE teacher at saracooper@outlook.com. Please also be assured that sensitive political and ethical issues are not addressed in SRE and SRE teachers must always abide by DEC policy regarding sensitive topics.
Should my child go?
It’s completely up to you as a parent. However, any student is welcome in SRE regardless of faith or religious observance at home. SRE aims to gives students the opportunity to ask meaningful questions about ways faith impacts peoples’ beliefs, values and identity. It never tells students what they must believe or how they must think.
Who teaches SRE at our WBHS?
SRE is taught by Sara Cooper and she has been teaching SRE at WBHS since 2012. She is an NSW qualified teacher in the areas of Visual Arts and Special Education. She has also studied Theology and has SRE teaching approval from NSW Baptist Association. If you would like to get in contact with her to ask any further questions, please email her at saracooper@outlook.com
Does SRE cost anything? Or does the school pay for it?
There is absolutely no cost to you or the school if your child does SRE. It is funded by local churches and individual people’s donations. There is also no special equipment required for SRE classes.
Permission note
Dear Parents and Carers,
Parents/caregivers in public schools have the right to have their children receive instruction in their preferred religious persuasion, where authorised teachers of that persuasion are available.
A special religious education program is available at the school and is run by authorised volunteers of approved religious persuasions.
At Warners Bay High School, Special Religious Education (SRE) is offered to all Years 7 students. This is funded by the Warners Bay Christian Education Association. These lessons are delivered via weekly class lessons for 8 weeks out of every Term.
This is a very well organised program and is not linked to any specific denomination but allows students the chance to discuss, question, think and ultimately make decisions for themselves regarding the Christian faith. This program is valuable as it will become part of our school community’s discussion of values and ethical behaviour - see outline of program on the back of this letter. To learn more about the SRE program at our school please visit Warners Bay Christian Education Association. If you would like your child to participate, please complete and return the permission form. Students who do not attend scripture will be supervised by teachers in self-directed study, homework or reading.
A parent/carer may at any time notify the school in writing that they wish to change their decision.
For more information about Special Religious Education (SRE) and Special Education in Ethics (SEE), including the list of approved providers, please visit: Religion an Ethics
As always, please feel free to contact me if you would like to discuss this or any other part of your child’s education.
REGARDS, MARCUS NEALE, PRINCIPAL.