Learning

Our subjects

Explore how we teach the NSW curriculum through key learning areas.

Religion and ethics

At our school, students can take part in special religious education (SRE) or special education in ethics (SEE) classes, depending on what’s available. These classes are delivered by approved providers.

When enrolling your child, you’ll be able to choose an option from the approved providers offered at our school. Students not attending SRE or SEE are given supervised alternative meaningful activities.

You’re welcome to change your choice at any time. Just let us know in writing or use the online form (if available at our school).

Visit the  department’s website  for more information about religion and ethics.

The Education Act 1990 states  'in every government school, time is to be allowed for the religious education of children of any religious persuasion'.  Special Education in Ethics (SEE) is offered as a secular alternative to special religious education.

For more information visit Religion and Ethics at:   https://education.nsw.gov.au/teaching-and-
learning/curriculum/learning-across-the-curriculum/religion-and-ethics

Special Religious Education (SRE), quiet often referred to as Scripture, is education in the beliefs and practices of an approved religious persuasion.  SEE is a program in ethical decision making, action and reflection within a secular framework.  At Shell Cove Public School, we currently offer the following SRE classes as well as the SEE course provided by Primary Ethics:

Protestant:  https://whysre.com.au/who-teaches-sre/sre-providers/

SRE has been a regular part of the public education system in NSW for over 130 years.

Christian churches are committed to working with the NSW Govt. and Dept. of Education and Communities to ensure that well trained and resourced SRE teachers deliver sound programmes that enable parents to confidently choose Christian SRE for their children.

Here at Shell Cove Public School, authorised leaders and volunteers from the local area come to teach Protestant SRE from K-6. Their approved programs are available on the above website.

Baha'i:  http://bahai.org.au/index.php/what-bahais-do/building-vibrant-communities/spiritual-education-
children/bahai-classes-in-state-schools/

“Children are the most precious treasure a community can possess, for in them are the promise and guarantee of the future”

“Take the utmost care to give children high ideals and goals so that once they come of age, they will cast their beams like brilliant candles on the world”- Bahai Writings.

Bahai Children’s Education addresses the spiritual and moral aspects of children’s development, to enable them to acquire positive qualities of character and high ideals which are essential for fulfilment in life.

Spiritual truth is universal. The Bahai teachings recognise that all of the world’s great religions emanate from the same Divine source and that they share common universal values. Childhood and youth are the best time in life for forming character and developing spiritual qualities. Intellectual training is most effective when balanced with moral education and spiritual development. Our classes work towards creating that balance.

Bahai Children’s Education is based on the teachings of the Bahai Faith and focuses on the knowledge and love of God, on the Bahai principles which promote unity and spiritual happiness, and on personal virtues such as honesty, love, trustworthiness, kindness and cooperation with others.

Here at Shell Cove Public School, authorised leaders and volunteers from the local area come to teach Bahai SRE from K-6. Their approved programs are available on the above website.

Roman Catholic:  https://www.ccdwollongong.com/

Catholic SRE teachers (also known as Catechists) are authorised by the local parish and trained by the Diocese of the Catholic Church.

The Catholic SRE curriculum is approved by the Bishop of the Diocese in liaison with religious education experts.  Lessons include activities that are fun and inclusive for students, whilst also providing them the opportunity to critically explore in depth their faith and to pray and reflect.

Please attend Church and discuss the sacramental program with the Parish Priest (after the service) as this is not part of the Scripture lessons at school. Children’s liturgy is held on Saturday Evening Mass – 5pm as well as Sunday at 9am.

Here at Shell Cove Public School, authorised leaders and volunteers from the local area come to teach Catholic Scripture SRE from K-4. If you would like to volunteer to be the Stage 3 (Year 5/6) Scripture teacher please contact the local parish office. Their approved programs are available on the above website.

Islamic:  https://www.isre.org.au/scope-k-6/

Students gain knowledge of Islamic principles, values and life skills.  Students are supported and nurtured to develop a positive sense of their identity as Muslims and are guided towards becoming model members of their communities.

Non–Scripture:

Children not attending either SRE or SEE undertake self-directed activities, i.e. no work is set by the classroom teachers during this time.

Students not attending SRE or SEE are provided with supervised 'alternative meaningful activities'. These activities do not compete with SRE/SEE and are not lessons in the curriculum. Suitable activities may include reading, private study or other activities as considered to be appropriate by the school community. Students in non scripture will be part of the Community Carers which involves helping to beautify the school.

Primary Ethics:  https://primaryethics.com.au/

Ethics classes provide an opportunity for children to discuss ethical issues with their peers. Classes are inquiry based and are impartially facilitated by our trained volunteers using approved lesson materials. Children explore a range of stories and scenarios, discussing what we ought to do, how we ought to live, the kind of society we should have and what kind of person each of us should strive to be.

In ethics classes, children develop skills in: Critical thinking - developing and evaluating arguments, using logic and reason, evaluating evidence, giving reasons and carefully considering views that are different to their own. Collaborative inquiry - listening to each other, taking turns to speak, building on others’ ideas, respectfully disagreeing, respectfully challenging each other’s thinking, helping each other express ideas, articulating values and principles, putting a counter view and asking questions. Classes support students to become critical thinkers with a strong capacity for questioning and inquiry. The overall aim of ethics classes is to help children develop a life-long capacity to identify and make well-reasoned decisions about ethical issues. The Special Education in Ethics program is provided by Primary Ethics.

Here at Shell Cove Public School, authorised leaders, parents and/or volunteers from the local area come to teach Ethics (SEE) for students from K-6. Their approved programs are available on the above website. This year we need 2 more volunteers, please contact the school for more information on applying as a volunteer.

For more information visit  Religion and Ethics

For more information, visit the department’s website or contact us.

High potential and gifted education

At our school, we give the right support to help advanced or talented learners grow and do their best.

We notice these students early. They may learn quickly or show strong skills in creativity, leadership, problem solving or sport. We help them stay challenged with lessons and activities that match their strengths.

Contact us to learn more about how we support high potential and gifted learners.