A feature of the public education system in NSW is the opportunity to provide time in class for education in ethics, faith and morality from a religious or non-religious perspective at the choice of parents/carers.
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.
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.
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 wide reading/writing lesson)
Commencing: 2:25pm Friday 16 May 2025 (Week 3 Term 2).
TERM 3: Year 10 SRE
Friday Week B (Day 10)
Period 4: 2:25 - 3:05pm (during Maths)
Commencing: 2:25pm Friday 8 August 2025 (Week 3 Term 3).
TERM 4: Year 7 SRE
Every second Friday Week B (Day 10)
Period 2: 9:20am – 10am (during Science)
Commencing: 9:20am 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 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.