What is the value of SRE/Scripture?
There are many reasons why Christian SRE/scripture is beneficial for students, from both a personal and educational perspective.
Personal
In learning about the Bible, Jesus, God’s plan and Christian values through SRE/Scripture students can:
- Have the freedom to ask questions and make important discoveries about themselves and their personal beliefs;
- Gain insights into the morals and values of society, and explore their own response to them;
- Discover the depth of God’s love for them, and consider how they might treat others in response to this love;
- Receive teaching from older Christian mentors who are appropriate role models; and
- Grow in their personal Christian faith.
Educational
While the purpose of scripture is to help children explore the Christian faith, SRE/Scripture contributes to a child’s broader education in a variety of ways:
- PDHPE: During SRE/Scripture students question and explore their own values and beliefs, as well as those underpinning our society. This contributes to many key learning areas in the PDHPE (Personal Development, Health and Physical Education) syllabus with regard to understanding and valuing oneself and others, and making responsible lifestyle decisions.
- HSIE, History and Geography: In SRE/Scripture, students will discover the link between Christianity and our past and present values, morals and laws, as well as learn about history through the Bible. This directly relates to many key learning areas in the NSW and Australian curriculum, including topics such as change and continuity, the past and the present, Australian, world and global history.
- English/Literacy: Our Question-Explore-Discover approach encourages students to think critically and draw their own conclusions. This enhances communication skills and contributes to literacy.
- Creative Arts: Through music, games, art, craft and drama, students will discover the Christian faith in ways that encourage creativity and enhance creative arts educational outcomes.
SRE Teacher Requirements
The process for appointing Christian SRE teachers ensures school children are receiving Christian religious education from trained, professional and well-resourced educators.
Prospective SRE teachers must be authorised by an official Department of Education approved SRE provider.
This authorisation will only occur when they meet specific requirements with regard to teacher training, child safety and use of an authorised curriculum. These requirements go beyond the Department of Education basic requirements for SRE teachers.
Teacher Training:
SRE teachers appointed by Christian SRE providers must have completed teacher training, including a minimum of one unit of study on classroom management.
SRE teachers must also undertake specific training, known as “Basic SRE Teacher Training”, which is delivered by several providers.
One training option for SRE teachers under combined arrangements is to complete the training online via the Timothy Partnership.
Child Safety:
SRE teachers must have a verified and current Working with Children Check, issued by the NSW Office of the Children’s Guardian, and carry a card confirming this when on a school premises.
SRE teachers must also have undertaken recognised child protection training, preferably through the “Safe Churches” framework, with refresher training required every three years.
Christian SRE providers will only authorise SRE teachers who are endorsed by the leaders of a local church or faith community, who know the character of the prospective teacher first hand.
Curriculum:
SRE teachers must use a curriculum approved by a provider. These chosen curricula encourage students to question, explore and discover the Christian faith, in an age appropriate and engaging way, while recognising a variety of learning styles.
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