Special Religious Education (Scripture) has strong support across school communities. SRE classes are held in 92% of primary schools and 81% of secondary schools in NSW.

A review of Special Religious Education commissioned by the NSW government and published in 2017 found that 84% of parents are positive about their child’s learning experience in SRE.

SRE is not compulsory; parents choose whether or not they want their children to enrol in SRE classes.

“SRE is about values,” says Christian SRE spokesperson Murray Norman. “It gives students the opportunity to question, explore and discover the values they build their lives on, including the spiritual dimension.”

All SRE teachers have undergone a Working With Children Check, have completed child protection training and training in SRE teaching, have been authorised by a provider of SRE approved by the NSW Department of Education, and are required to undertake regular professional development. In addition, most high school SRE teachers in NSW are required to complete a higher education qualification in theology.

These requirements are designed to promote a high level of professionalism in SRE teachers in our schools.

Would you like the satisfaction of teaching SRE (Scripture) to students in our local schools?

Southlakes Christian Education needs extra volunteers willing to teach one or more SRE lessons per week in local primary schools.

We also need people to volunteer as relief teachers, either at primary or secondary level, to take occasional SRE classes to replace regular SRE teachers who may be absent.

Lesson outlines and suggestions for teaching are provided.

If you would like to help, please email slcea2@gmail.com to request further information, giving you name, phone number and email address so that we can contact you.

Dr C. Hollier, Newcastle GP:

“I encourage parents to choose Christian SRE for their child, because people with a faith generally do better on a range of clinical health issues, particularly in mental health.”

C. Johnson, School Principal:

“Our aim is to empower our students to become innovative, creative, intellectually curious and social responsible citizen, who are prepared for and can respond to the demands and opportunities of the 21st century. SRE at our school contributes wonderfully to that ultimate goal.”

J. Tuckerman, Hunter Businessman:

“As a 10-year-old my Scripture teacher taught me about faith through Bible characters. Those stories inspired me with faith I too could conquer self-doubt, rise above present circumstances and forge a future beyond my dreams.”

N. Foster, Associate Professor:

“Western culture has deep roots in the Christian faith, so it is really helpful for students to learn about

the Bible and Christianity, both at school and later, when studying art, law, literature and language.”