Religion and Ethics
NSW public schools offer special religious education and special education in ethics, delivered by approved providers wherever available. For more information, visit the department’s website.
Special Education in Ethics (SEE)
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. 33A 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.
Special Religious Education (SRE)
Special religious education (SRE) is education in the beliefs and practices of an approved religious persuasion. Under the Education Act 1990, section 32, 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.
At our school, students can take part in special religious education (SRE) or special education in ethics (SEE) classes, depending on what’s available. These classes are delivered by approved providers.
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.
When enrolling your child, you’ll be able to choose an option from the approved providers offered at our school. Students not attending SRE or SEE are given supervised alternative meaningful activities.
You’re welcome to change your choice at any time. Just let us know in writing or via email.
Permission to participate in SRE
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.
Parents/carers who wish for their child to participate in SRE at Hurlstone Agricultural High School must complete the SRE participation letter below and return it via email to: hurlstone-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au with ‘Attn: SRE Coordinator’ in the subject line.
The special religious Education (SRE) programs currently available at Hurlstone Agricultural High School are Combined Christian SRE and Combined Islamic SRE.
Combined Christian SRE
Combined 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. Christian SRE engages students in conversations as they question life, explore values and discover faith. The curriculum is based on Good News about Jesus Christ and learning the key elements of our Christian life and culture and is authorised by Combined Christian Scripture. Information about the curriculum can be found here.
Combined Islamic SRE
Combined Islamic SRE is provided by SRE teachers who have participated in approved training by an approved provider. The approved providers for Islamic SRE are the Islamic Council NSW and Australian Islamic Education Services (AIES). They offer an educational program that fosters identity, purpose and positive community engagement for Islamic students. Click here for further information and here for the their SRE program.
Voluntary student activities of a religious nature in schools
Voluntary student activities of a religious nature in schools (VSA) are any activities of a religious nature, including those provided by religious organisations. VSA is not part of special religious education (SRE) and is not part of the curriculum. VSA operates under the supervision of the Principal.
VSA is optional and available to students at Hurlstone Agricultural High School through Hurlstone Christian Fellowship, which runs fortnightly during lunchtime, lead by a DoE approved volunteer. A student-run Islamic prayer group is also available to students daily at lunchtime.
In line with Department policy, volunteers who lead VSA in our school are subject to child protection checks and are supervised by a staff member of the school. An attendance register must be maintained for all students participating in VSA, and the content of each meeting will be monitored with minutes forwarded to the Principal.
Permission to participate in VSA
Written parental permission is required for all students attending VSA. If you wish to allow your child to attend VSA at our school, please complete the VSA participation letter below below and return it via email to: hurlstone-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au with ‘Attn: VSA Coordinator’ in the subject line. You can update your preference at any time by writing to the school.
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