NSW schools offer special religion education (SRE) and special education in eithics. Approved providers deliver these, where available.
Special education in ethics is an option for primary-age students. For more information visit Religion and ethics.
At Melville High School, Christian SRE is available and delivered on Tuesdays Week A Periods 1 & 2 and Week B Periods 5 & 6, for years 7 & 8.
On enrolment parents/carers will be given the SRE participation letter to complete and return. After the initial enrolment, notification of changes to a child's enrolement in SRE should be given to the Teacher Natalie Jupp or the Deputy Linette Baker, in writing.
During the time that SRE classes are being held, students not attending will be located in a seperate space and will particiapte in meaningful activities (activities could include reading, private study or completing homework).
All Christian SRE teachers are authorised and trained by an approved provider. Our teacher Natalie Jupp is authorised by Australian Christian Churches htttp://www.nswacc.org.au/ministries/sre/ and Macleay Valley Association for Religious Education (MVACE), cross-authorised by:
- Anglican Diocese of Grafton - All Saints Anglican Church Kempsey
- Anglican Diocese of Grafton - Holy Trinity Anglican Church South West Rocks
- Australian Christian Churches - Christian New Life Church Frederickton
- Baptist Union of NSW - Kempsey Baptist Church
- Presbyterian Church of Australia (NSW) - Kempsey and South West Rocks Presbyterian Church
- Uniting Church of Australia (NSW Synod) - Uniting Church Macleay River Congregation
The Christian SRE curriculum is: https://whysre.com.au/images/files/Think_Faith_Scope_And_Sequence.pdf authorised by Australian Christian Churches and the Department of Education.
It isn't a requirement that students attend a church to attend Christian SRE, anyone is welcome to attend with parental permission.
What happens in Christian SRE lessons:
QUESTION - Asking questions is the key to learning
Students are encouraged to ask questions about the Christian faith and its relevance to life. Questions begin the journey to knowledge and understanding.
EXPLORE - Exploration brings deeper comprehension
Students are encouraged to explore questions of faith, life and values in relation to their own personal beliefs and the broader worldviews found in society today, and in the past. Exploration promotes learning that is relevant.
DISCOVER - Discovery leads to meaningful conclusions.
When students draw their own conclusions about the Christian faith and it's values they can make decisions about life and how it should be lived. Discovery is when questions and exploration come alive.