SRE Information for Parents and Carers
What is SRE?
Special Religious Education (SRE), or “Scripture in schools”, is offered during the school day in most NSW primary schools and many high schools. This is supported by the Education Act which requires that ‘time is to be allowed for the religious education of children’.
Information for Parents – Refer Anglican Why SRE Site
The Lighthouse Community Inc is an approved provider of SRE in NSW schools. Each week during school terms our teachers get to teach the gospel to children at Bronte Public School who might not otherwise have the opportunity to hear what about who Jesus is, what he has done for them, and how much God loves them. We are very grateful to partner with other local churches in this important ministry namely St Luke’s Clovelly Anglican Church, Church in the Market Place Bondi Junction and Lugar Brae Uniting Churches.
Who teaches SRE?
Our SRE teachers are people of Christian faith. They attend The Lighthouse Community Church Friday Night Group and volunteer their time because they enjoy working with children and believe that a faith is valuable for everyday living. SRE volunteers already have experience working with children in children’s ministry in their church or community.
As an “Approved provider of SRE”, we ensure that our teachers:
- confirm and demonstrate a growing, committed relationship with Christ
- demonstrate desirable characteristics of a children’s/youth ministry worker including respect for others, being wise, careful, open in their actions, be able to teach and being ‘teachable’
- be a member of The Lighthouse Community Inc
- maintain a current working with children clearance which is verified by The Lighthouse Community
- complete initial training and instruction in the requirements and context of SRE in schools, in basic skills such as preparing and delivering lessons, and orientation to the curriculum as well as being able to deliver the curriculum with sensitivity and in an age appropriate manner
- complete an approved child protection training course (and refresher every 3 years)
- have an awareness of the Department of Education’s Code of Conduct which includes their Social Media Policy
- have knowledge of the authorised curriculum, with its scope and sequence
- be able to use appropriate classroom technology such as interactive whiteboards and digital projectors
- complete a period of on-the-job training and assessment with an experienced SRE teacher
- receive written authorisation by the Lighthouse Community as a person who meets the above requirements and is able to teach SRE in schools.
The training received by our teachers is provided by GodSpace which is produced by Burst Christian Resources affiliated with the Baptist Churches of NSW and ACT.
Safe Ministry Child Protection Training
All SRE teachers must undergo Child Protection/Safe Ministry Training. Our SRE teachers have completed Safe Ministry training initially with the Uniting Church of Australia – Church in the Market Place and several refresher courses with the Anglican Diocese of Sydney. Safe Ministry Training completed by SRE Teachers is valid to 25 May 2025.
Anglican Safe Ministry Training Information
What happens in SRE lessons?
SRE teachers are required to use an approved curriculum, which is available for parents to view online. The Lighthouse Community has approved the CEP Connect Series for teaching SRE which operates on a three year cycle. These cycles are regularly reviewed by CEP.
Connect is CEP’s Christian Religious Education resource for Infants, Lower Primary, and Upper Primary students. Based on a three-year cycle, Connect teaches students the key components and themes of the Bible and Christian belief while encouraging them to apply the learning to their own lives. There are some links below to CEP resources and Curriculum and a link to Anglican resource site as to “Why SRE?”.
Anglican resource site – CEP Connect – Why SRE?
CEP Curriculum – Cycle C is used in 2022 – CEP Cycles A-C Overview
Whilst the programs vary, and are age appropriate, students in Christian SRE classes commonly explore the Bible, encounter core Christian beliefs and examine how the teachings of Jesus call us to make good life choices in our relationships. A variety of teaching methods are used that allow the students to respond to lessons via writing, group discussion, music, song, drama and prayer. Children are encouraged to think, interact and make up their own minds about matters of faith. There is usually also a teacher from the school in the room.
What is the process for new SRE teachers and ongoing support and training?
Initial training involves:
- WWCC complete and validated
- child protection (Safe ministry) training completed
- meeting with new teachers to prepare them with an understanding of the regulations surrounding SRE, the cultural context in which we do SRE, basic skill training and orientation to the curriculum. In addition classroom management training will be provided as formal or on the job training or a combination of both.
- requirement to read The Lighthouse Community Policy on Safe Ministry working with children.
Ongoing training will be provided to teachers in the form of:
- support and sharing of ideas among teachers once a term and attendance at relevant seminars
- review of SRE teaching including teacher self reflection, classroom observation, feedback, mentoring and adherence to the authorised curriculum
- reporting of results of the review process which will form part of the annual assurance process
Any concerns or complaints?
Any concerns, complaints or feedback may be discussed directly with the authorised special religious education teacher. However, there may be times where you would prefer to speak to someone else.
If you would like to discuss concerns about special religious education generally, you should contact the school.
If your concerns relate to a special religious education teacher approved by The Lighthouse Community Inc, or the curriculum used by a teacher from The Lighthouse Community Inc., you can initially contact us by emailing us. If you would like us to contact you by phone, please leave your name, contact phone number and a brief description of your concerns. We will arrange for our Safe Ministry Representative or our President to contact you. It is likely we will seek your consent to share your concerns with the relevant school liaison person. We will endeavour to address your complaint within a reasonable time-frame.
Page Updated 31 January 2022