Religion and Ethics

NSW public schools offer special religious education and special education in ethics, delivered by approved providers wherever available.

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.

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.

The Special Religious Education (SRE) programs currently available at Hurlstone Agricultural High School are Christian SRE and 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.

Islamic SRE

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.

2025 SRE TIMETABLE

In 2025, SRE will be delivered at the following times:

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.

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.

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