Special Religious Education (SRE)
Information and Contact Details
Participation in Special Religious Education (SRE)
The Presbyterian Church in NSW encourages all its members to be involved in Special Religious Education for the good of local school communities. This is a privilege we do not accept lightly and by accrediting and training our teachers we intend to support the high standard of education in our local schools.
The Church is a Department of Education approved provider and a member of The Inter-Church Commission on Religious Education in Schools (ICCOREIS).
Modes of Delivery
In general, members of the Church are involved in delivery of SRE in partnership with other churches committed to the same involvement. This is known as a combined arrangement or joint denominational SRE and called Combined Christian SRE. The Minister of the church in partnership with the leadership of other churches jointly agree on which trained volunteers, will teach the agreed curriculum based on the unfolding story of the Bible, its central character, Jesus, and the implications for values and behaviour.
Note: each SRE teacher in a combined arrangement must be already authorised to teach SRE by their own denomination. The curriculum must be authorised by one of the approved providers.
An Authorisation letter in a combined arrangement is given to the school each year which clearly identifies who is the approved provider and includes the name of authorised teacher(s), date of birth and contact details. This letter is updated annually before the start of term 1 or as required. A working with children check is not required to be given to a school but instead is given to the Conduct Protocol Unit on the Authorisation Form (see forms section in Resources below).
In high schools in NSW, local churches often combine to form associations to deliver SRE. Generate is a consortium of Presbyterian Youth, Scripture Union in NSW, Baptist Churches in NSW and ACT and Youthworks. See Generate http://oursre.org.au/
Authorised Curricula
The delivery of our curriculum is taught with sensitivity and in an age appropriate manner. Our teachers are trained in the use of classroom technology such as interactive whiteboards and digital projectors. The SRE regular ongoing training includes classroom management strategies and implementation of the curriculum.
Review of SRE teaching includes teacher self-reflection, regular classroom observation, supervisor feedback, mentor support and adherence to the authorised curriculum.
We report the results of the review process which is part of our annual assurance process and include a description of efforts to address identified issues such as further training and mentor support.
We approve all materials and internet resources that are identified for use by SRE teachers.
Across the state, geographic and demographic issues impact on the choice of a curriculum. The decision on which Presbyterian authorised curriculum to use (see below) is left up to the Minister in partnership with other local providers jointly delivering SRE.
Parents and caregivers are very welcome to view the curriculum that their child is taught by following the links below, consulting the school’s SRE Co-ordinator or their local Minister.
For more information contact Presbyterian Youth SRE +61 2 9690 9379 or roslyndeal@pynsw.org.au.
We authorise only the curricula listed below.
Curricula
Primary School
- Presbyterian
- Primary Prep
- Primary PREP (updated)
- Kindy Prep
- Differentiated Presbyterian PREP (Broderick Gillawarna only)
- Love out Loud Video Curriculum (Lower Primary for 6yr olds)
- *All other LOL curricula is NOT authorised
- CEP
- Baptist GodSpace
- Quizworx
High School
- Bible Explored (SECET 2022)
- “Think Faith” (CEP)
- Jesus the Game Changer (Schools Edition) – Stage 6 only (Olive Tree Media)
- REAL (Lismore High School only)
- CSRE high school curriculum for combined arrangements
- Ku-ring-gai HS SRE only
- Who Do You Say I Am? (Narrabri HS SRE only)
- God and His Kingdom (Narrabri HS SRE only)
- Differentiated Presbyterian PREP (Broderick Gillawarna only)
Bibles
These Bibles can be used as a reference for use with some of the above approved curriculum:
- K-6: CEV Big Rescue Bible
- High school: CEV Youth Bible
- K-3 classes: Jesus Storybook Bible
SRE Authorisation
Initial SRE Authorisation
In keeping with current child protection legislation, all SRE teachers are required to apply for a WWCC and obtain a clearance number. The WWCC number is recorded on the authorisation form submitted to the Conduct Protocol Unit (CPU) See forms section in Resources below. Approved providers must keep relevant WWCC documents for five years after the employment or engagement has been completed.
Training for SRE is a government requirement, and encourages both teachers and students. There are two components of SRE training: 1. Child Protection Training and 2. Teacher Training (units/modules 1-7).
Step 1. SRE Child Protection Training
It is an approved provider’s responsibility to ensure that all SRE teachers have participated in an initial child protection induction and annual update. This is to ensure that SRE teachers are aware of their obligation to advise the principal or workplace manager of concerns about the safety, welfare and wellbeing of children and young people that arise during the course of their work. SRE teachers are mandatory reporters of suspected risk of significant harm and of the procedures for doing so. Child Protection training is called ‘Breaking the Silence’ in the Presbyterian Church.
To complete ‘Breaking the Silence’ training provided under the Safe Churches standard see Breaking the Silence – Jericho Road
If you need more information about child protection training please contact the Conduct Protocol Unit at cpu-admin@pcnsw.org.au or Ph: +61 2 9690 9321.
Step 2. SRE Teacher Training
SRE Teacher training follows the ICCOREIS Basic Training Standard.
Primary School – 7 modules of training
- Self-directed online training, operated by PY
- SRE Essentials training available via zoom, operated by ACC & Baptist
- Equivalent Modules of training from ICCOREIS members
High School – 7 modules of training
- Self-directed online training, operated by PY
- Equivalent Modules of training from ICCOREIS members
Plus Extra Training: Paid SRE Teachers
In light of our commitment to safe ministry and the annual assurance we give the Department of Education (DoE) regarding training for SRE, the Presbyterian Church in NSW, and several other authorisers of high school SRE teachers, has decided on the following standard.
Anyone who is employed and/or receives a non-tax benefit as a ‘religious practitioner’ to teach SRE in a central or high school must:
- Be authorised by the Conduct Protocol Unit (CPU) as a high school SRE teacher
- Be trained to at least certificate level in both teaching Christian Faith in the Classroom and pastoral care
- Commenced or completed at least a Theological Diploma
- Only use one of the authorised curricula listed above
- Be cross-authorised by other local church/denominational representatives
For assistance with Recognised Prior Learning, please contact Roslyn Deal from Presbyterian Youth at roslyndeal@pynsw.org.au or Ph: +61 2 9690 9379.
Step 3: Send/email the authorisation form to CPU
Complete the Primary or High School SRE authorisation form (see forms section in Resources below), along with a recent lesson observation (if completed in the past 6 months). Send/email the authorisation form, lesson observation (if completed) and training certificate/s to the Conduct Protocol Unit – cpu-admin@pcnsw.org.au. A temporary authorisation will be issued prior to SRE recommencing.
Reauthorisation
Reauthorisation (Renewal) of SRE Teachers
There are two components of SRE renewal training: 1. Child Protection Training and 2. Teacher Training.
Step 1. SRE Child Protection Training
Breaking the Silence and training provided under the Safe Churches standard Breaking the Silence – Jericho Road. You will also need to read the ‘Wise Ministry Addendum for SRE‘.
If you need more information about child protection training please contact the Conduct Protocol Unit at cpu-admin@pcnsw.org.au or Ph: +61 2 9690 9321.
Step 2. Christian SRE Basic Teacher Training for Combined Arrangements
All renewals must include a lesson observation and teacher feedback.
Primary School – Complete Primary modules 1, 6 and 7 individually at https://training.pynsw.org.au/ or the NEW renewal course.
High School – Complete High School modules 1, 6 and 7 individually at https://training.pynsw.org.au/ or the NEW renewal course.
Send/email the authorisation form and any proof of training to CPU.
Complete the Primary or High School SRE authorisation form (see forms section in Resources below), along with a recent lesson observation.
Resources
Forms
- Primary School SRE Teacher Authorisation & Renewal Form (Updated Oct 2022)
- High School SRE Teacher Authorisation & Renewal Form (Updated Oct 2022)
- SRE HELPER Authorisation & Renewal Form (Updated Oct 2022)
- Lesson Observation Form (Dec 2020) (to be signed by session)
- Authorisation letter in a combined arrangement (to give to your school)
- Job Description SRE teacher
- Job Description SRE helper (2020)
- R23 complaint form Presbyterian
- Year 6 Information Brochure
Training
Face to Face training or Zoom training is provided by other providers. These can be cross credited if individual assessment is made against the ICCOREIS basic training standard outcomes. See the ICCOREIS training calendar for upcoming face to face or zoom training.
Complaints
Complaints about SRE follow the Complaints Policies and Procedures. If you have a complaint about Presbyterian SRE or a Presbyterian Teacher in a combined arrangement (Christian SRE) please fill in the complaint form and post to SRE Director PO Box 2196, Strawberry Hills or email roslyndeal@pynsw.org.au.
Policies and Procedures
- Department of Education COVID-19 (Coronavirus update)
- Department of Education Religious Education Policy and Procedures
- Department of Education Fact Sheet
- Department of Education Frequently Asked Questions
- SRE Policy and Procedures – July 2021 ; Adopted by Assembly
- Summary of Teacher Authorisation Process Presbyterian
-
23 Complaints Policies and Procedures Presbyterian
Generate Ministries
Generate Ministries is a collation of Scripture Union NSW, Anglican Youthworks, Presbyterian Youth and the Baptist churches of NSW & ACT. Its core purpose is to support local churches that are ministering in NSW government school communities. This mission is carried out by employing Special Religious Education (SRE) teachers on behalf of local churches and by providing resources. Generate Ministries’ vision is of young people in high schools becoming disciples of Christ through the development of SRE teaching in all state high schools throughout NSW for every possible student.
There are a variety of different ways to get involved with Generate Ministries, most simply for example, praying or helping with financial support.
Generate Ministries
PO BOX 3306,
Redfern, NSW, 2016
