There are a number of ways religion is present in NSW public schools. Here’s the fact sheet.
In primary schools a unit on Understanding our Communities, which covers religious diversity, can be taught by the class teacher in Human Society and its Environment (HSIE) in Stage 2 (Year 3-4).
In high schools the subject Studies of Religions may be offered, taught for the HSC (Year 11-12) by a qualified school teacher. Aspects of religion may also be included in other approved curriculum subjects (English, History, Society and Culture).
In addition, religious groups can be active in public schools in three ways.
The first is through Special Religious Education (SRE) under the Department of Education and Communities’ (DEC) Religious Education Implementation Procedures (REIP). According to the REIP, this is offered when there is parent interest for it and authorised volunteers are available to deliver it when the school can timetable it. It is usually timetabled into the school program on a weekly basis, taking 30 - 60 minutes a week. It cannot consist of more than forty hours a year.
Instruction may be offered by various approved groups, including Primary Ethics. Supervision is provided for students in Non-Scripture. No other academic instruction or formal school activities are to run at the same time. The Controversial Issues in School Policy, which states that visitors to schools are not to recruit students into partisan groups, is suspended during this timeslot. Primary Ethics is the only provider whose curriculum is approved by the Department of Education and Communities. All volunteers need to comply with the DEC’s Code of Conduct.
Instruction may be offered by various approved groups, including Primary Ethics. Supervision is provided for students in Non-Scripture. No other academic instruction or formal school activities are to run at the same time. The Controversial Issues in School Policy, which states that visitors to schools are not to recruit students into partisan groups, is suspended during this timeslot. Primary Ethics is the only provider whose curriculum is approved by the Department of Education and Communities. All volunteers need to comply with the DEC’s Code of Conduct.
The list of authorised providers is here: http://www.curriculumsupport.education.nsw.gov.au/policies/religion/assets/approvedproviders19112014.pdf.
SRE boards, associations or incorporations are NOT approved SRE providers. Refer to ‘Combined Arrangements’ in Appendix A of the REIP [p. 13].
The second is through voluntary student gatherings such as lunchtime clubs. DEC’s Religious Education Implementation Procedures (updated 25 March 2015) policy states: "Voluntary religious activities and prayer groups are not part of special religious education, but may operate under the auspices and supervision of the principal. Scripture Union (NSW) coordinates Interschool Christian Fellowship (ISCF) groups in secondary schools and Scripture Union Primary Age (SUPA) groups in primary schools. Principals in their supervision of voluntary religious activities and prayer groups must ensure that:
- parental permission is obtained
- appropriate child protection checks and practices in relation to any volunteers coming from outside the school
- the content of the activities undertaken are monitored
- students or members of religious persuasions do not engage in attempts to proselytise or convert non-adherents of their religion to their faith in the course of school authorised activities."
The Controversial Issues in Schools Policy applies to these groups, as do all other DEC policies. These groups are not to be run by school staff. Food is not to be offered as an enticement to students.
The third is through the School Chaplaincy Program. The chaplain must belong to a group which is an authorised provider and is to offer pastoral support to students without proselytizing.
There is no other provision under policy for any other presence of religious groups in public schools. Principals have no provision to engage with non-authorised providers. No religious group is authorised to deliver religious instruction during regular class time.
Schools must be transparent and inform parents and caregivers about religious activities at school by providing information in newsletters and on their school website.
Public schools have policies about inclusion, embracing diversity, and rejecting racism, homophobia and bullying. The core values are integrity, excellence, respect, responsibility, cooperation, participation, care, fairness and democracy. It is unclear whether these policies apply during SRE timeslot.
The Australian curriculum’s general capabilities, which include critical and creative thinking, personal and social capability, intercultural understanding and ethical understanding, do not apply to SRE because SRE is not part of the Australian Curriculum.
NSW DEC is currently undertaking a review about Scripture and Ethics in schools. Consultation closes 31 July 2015. Parents are invited to contribute.
You can call the Department of Education and Communities about the SRE policy on 9244 5607.
Access the policy here: https://www.det.nsw.edu.au/policies/curriculum/schools/spec_religious/implementation_1_PD20020074.shtml?query=special+religious+education
Under these policies parents have a right to information and have the right to complain to the principal.
If your child’s school is not compliant with DEC policies, speak to your school principal, or raise the matter at your P&C meeting. Principals can terminate agreements with visiting groups if they breach policies. According to the Controversial Issues in Schools Policy Implementation Procedures: If visiting speakers will not guarantee to respect this policy, access to the students must be declined. [3.32]
