NSW public schools offer special religious education and special education in ethics, delivered by approved providers wherever available.
Special religious education (SRE) is education in the beliefs and practices of an approved religious persuasion. Under the Education Act 1990, section 32External link, government schools allow time for special religious education. It is delivered by authorised representatives of approved religious groups to students who have nominated that religion.
Special education in ethics (SEE) is a program in ethical decision making, action and reflection within a secular framework. Under the Education Act 1990, s. 33AExternal link government schools provide an option of SEE to students who are not attending SRE (if available).
SEE is not currently available at Hurlstone Agricultural High School.
The Special Religious Education (SRE) program currently available at Hurlstone Agricultural High School is Christian SRE.
Christian SRE is provided by SRE teachers from different Christian denominations and churches. The approved providers in this combined arrangement are Baptist Union of NSW, Presbyterian Church of Australia (NSW) and Anglican Diocese of Sydney. All Christian SRE teachers are authorised and trained by an approved provider. The Christian SRE curriculum is authorised by Combined Christian Scripture. The curriculum is based on Good News about Jesus Christ and learning the key elements of our Christian life and culture and can be found at: https://whysre.com.au/images/files/Think_Faith_Scope_And_Sequence.pdf
Christian SRE engages students in conversations as they question life, explore values and discover faith.
During the time that SRE/SEE classes are being held, students not attending will remain in their timetabled classrooms to participate in supervised alternative meaningful activities including reading, private study or completing homework.
No academic instruction or formal school activities will occur during time set aside for SRE.
2025 SRE TIMETABLE
In 2025, SRE will be delivered at the following times:
TERM 2: Year 9 SRE
Friday Week A (Day 5)
Period 4: 2:25 - 3:05pm (during English)
Commencing: Friday 16 May 2025 (Week 3 Term 2).
TERM 3: Year 10 SRE
Friday Week A (Day 5)
Period 3: 12:25pm - 1:05pm (during Maths)
Commencing: Friday 25 July 2025 (Week 1 Term 3).
TERM 4: Year 7 SRE
Every second Friday Week B (Day 10)
Period 1: 9:20am – 10am (during Science)
Commencing: Friday 24 October 2025 (Week 2 Term 4).
Permission to participate in SRE
Parents/carers who wish for their child to participate in SRE at Hurlstone Agricultural High School in 2025 must complete the SRE participation letter and return it via email to: hurlstone-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au with ‘Attn: SRE Coordinator’ in the subject line.
From 2026 onwards
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.