About SRE - Scripture in Schools

Enabling children to explore faith, life and values

Students today live in a fast-changing, uncertain world, filled with confusing messages about who to trust and what to believe. SRE gives them a safe place to explore and discover the Bible’s answers to their big questions, and SRE teachers support and guide them on their path of faith.

 

Who teaches SRE?

It’s our privilege to be an approved provider of SRE in many of our local public Primary and High Schools, under the guidelines set by the NSW Department of Education and with the cooperation of our local principals. We operate as part of the Religion Education Ministries (REM) YouthLife Scripture Board.

All schools require a professional approach to any sort of voluntary work that is undertaken in the classroom. Authorisation and Accreditation of SRE teachers is to ensure that children are being delivered relevant and educational content in a safe and age-appropriate way. 

 

Our process for training & authorisation of an SRE teacher:


Prior to initial authorisation a teacher will:

  • Complete the Grace Church Ministry application form.
  • Have their WWC number “cleared” by church.
  • Read the Grace Church Code of Conduct for Working with Children and Youth.
  • Complete the Safe Ministry Leader Training Module.
  • Complete training in classroom management, the NSW Department of Education Code of Conduct and Child Protection
  • Meet with the Church SRE coordinator to read and understand the SRE Teacher Handbook.
    • Knowledge of the Authorised Curriculum and scope and sequence
    • Delivery of the curriculum with sensitivity and in an age appropriate manner
    • Use of classroom technology such as interactive whiteboards and digital projectors.
  • Grace Church Peninsula provides a letter to the school which clearly identifies the approved provider, the name of the authorised teacher, his/her date of birth and contact details. The letter is updated annually before the start of term one or as required.

     

To renew authorization:

  • The Church SRE coordinator will confirm that the WWC clearance is still valid.
  • The SRE teacher will re- read the Grace Church Code of Conduct for working with Children/ Youth
  • Meet with the Church SRE Coordinator to review the teacher’s understanding of the content of the SRE Teacher Handbook.

 

What’s taught at SRE?

Grace Church uses curriculum from CEP Connect. Christian Education Publications (CEP) is the largest publisher of religious education curriculum designed for use in Australian and New Zealand schools. With material for children aged in Kindergarten through to year 12, it is a Bible-based curriculum which seeks to engage students and encourage them to discover for themselves the truths of the Christian faith and make good life choices.

 

Primary School curriculum

Our primary school curriculum is primarily Connect published by CEP. A full explanation of the teaching material can be found here.

 

High School curriculum

The syllabus is divided into 8 lessons, 2 per term. Each lesson raises an idea or question and seeks insight from the Bible in answering it. The lessons are structured with questions and samples of the Bible, which students give written responses to, and if they like they can then share their response with the class for discussion. See the outline below:

 

God is…

  1. What’s God got to do with me – Does understanding God matter? Explores what the Bible says about whether God has anything to do with your life?
  2. God is… Creator – Explores what the Bible says about the creation of the world.
  3. God is… Ruler – Explores the place of God in the world.
  4. God is… Judge – Reflects on the world, and what it would look like without any justice then reflects on the justice of God.
  5. God is… Merciful – Reflects on the mercy and grace of God.
  6. God is… Saviour – Reflects on the relationship between God and man.
  7. Who is God to you? After thinking about who the Bible says God is, reflect on what that means for us

 

How we review SRE teaching

All SRE processes are reviewed annually. The following strategies are used for review:

  • Informal conversations before and after lessons, discussion of things going well and not going well
  • Emailed questionnaire (SRE teacher review)
  • Twice per year training sessions the general content of which includes: additional resources; a safe ministry module; classroom management; ideas for curriculum delivery, evaluation of resources

Results of the review process are reported to the Department as part of the Annual Assurance process

 

Complaints Process

If a parent has a concern or question about SRE they are best to approach their child’s classroom teacher. The Classroom teacher will then contact the SRE teacher or Protestant SRE Coordinator to discuss the complaint.

  • If the complaint can be easily resolved the classroom teacher will inform the parent of the resolution. The SRE teacher informs the Grace Church SRE Coordinator of the complaint and it’s resolution. If possible it is best that this be done within 7 days.
  • If the complaint cannot be easily resolved, the SRE teacher will contact the School Protestant SRE Coordinator and the Grace Church SRE Coordinator to seek advise. This must be done within 48 hours of the issue being raised with them. It is expected that steps be taken towards resolving the complaint within 7 days.

 


Got questions or want more info?

We’re here to help. Please write us to here: [email protected]

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