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SRE (NSW)

Special Religious Education (NSW only)

People who live in the ACT should read the information on CRE, Christian Religious Education as the information below only pertains to those in NSW.

SRE Guide
SRE Engagement Form
Volunteer/Student Declaration

  1. What is Special Religious Education?
  2. Who does the teaching?
  3. How do I become a Special Religious Education teacher?
  4. What is authorisation?
  5. What about training?
  6. What curriculum do I use?
  7. What is the Inter-Church Commission on Religious Education in Schools ICCOREIS)?

What is Special Religious Education (SRE)?

SRE, from the Christian perspective, is the opportunity the churches have to share the gospel with the children in government schools. Other religious faiths may also enter schools to teach their children.

Parents are required to give permission or not for their children to attend the Special Religious Education Classes.

The NSW Education Reform Act of 1990 states: in every government school time is to be allowed for the religious education of children of any religious persuasion to be given by a member of the clergy or other religious teacher of that persuasion, but the total number of hours so allowed in a year is not to exceed, for each child, the number of school weeks in the year. (Implementing Special Religious Education – GUIDELINES FOR SCHOOLS, PROVIDERS OF SRE AND PARENTS. NSW Department of School Education. 1995)

Who does the teaching?

Volunteers from local congregations, ministers, youth workers and deacons. The local church is responsible to provide SRE teachers for the schools in their area. SRE Teachers must be authorised by their minister or church council, sign an Engagement form and must comply with Child Protection Legislation. Oversight of SRE within the Uniting Church NSW Synod is a responsibility of the Board of Education.

How do I become an SRE teacher?

A person may volunteer to become an SRE teacher on behalf of their congregation. The minister and church council must consider the suitability of each volunteer.

Every SRE teacher must be authorised to enter any government school. Child Protection legislation requirements must also be met.

What is Authorisation?

We are blessed to have so many dedicated Special Religious Education (SRE or Scripture) teachers across the Synod who make Scripture such a valuable and widespread mission with young people in our Government Schools. In order to continue to make this ministry possible we need to ensure we are complying with the relevant policies (such as child protection) set out by the Government and the Education Department.

The Synod has an authorisation process in place to help Scripture teachers and their congregations to comply with these regulations. This includes the completion of a Child Protection ‘volunteer declaration’ as well as a UCA specific SRE teacher engagement form, which includes a statutory declaration that will need to be witnessed by JP or other authorised person (See the Australian Government Attorney-General’s website for a list of persons who before whom a Statutory Declaration can be made). Written advice must also be given to the school and a valid ‘green card’ authorisation certificate must be carried to show you have been authorised as per the Uniting church authorisation procedure.

This authorisation process must be followed not just by volunteer SRE teachers, but also Ministers, Youth Workers, Deacons, helpers and SRE relief teachers.

Below is a summary of the authorisation requirements for all SRE teachers and helpers.

  1. 1. Have you signed a Volunteer/Student Declaration (Previously a Prohibited Employment Declaration – Attachment 4)**?

Anyone who volunteers to work with young people (aged 0-18 years), including all SRE teachers and helpers, is required to declare they are not legally restricted from doing so.
  1. 2. Have you signed a Uniting Church SRE teacher Engagement Form (EF4**)?

The SRE engagement form registers you as an SRE teacher coming from a Uniting Church congregation and requires you sign off on the SRE rules and regulations, including a Statutory Declaration.
  1. 3. Has a copy of your engagement form been sent to the Synod’s Board of Education?

The Board of Education needs to keep a record of all Uniting Church SRE teachers across the Synod.

  1. 4. Has the school(s) been informed, in writing, of your name and what SRE you teach?

The school(s) you teach at needs to have a record to show that you have been authorised to teach SRE.

  1. 5. Do you carry a valid/current ‘Green Card’ (authorisation certificate)?

A ‘Green Card’ is a pocket sized authorisation certificate you need to carry with you whenever you are involved in SRE, so you can prove you have been authorised to do so. A ‘Green Card’ (authorisation certificate) is only valid up to 2 years.

If you need to renew your green card, you do not need to fill in another PED or EF4. Simply contact the SRE Coordinator (emmap@nsw.uca.org.au or 02 82674290), we will check that we have your existing paperwork and then issue you with a new green card.

Engagement Forms can be downloaded above.
Volunteer/Student Declaration forms are available https://check.kids.nsw.gov.au/

What about training?

In NSW, the Department of School Education has requested that each denomination be responsible for training their authorised SRE teachers. The Board of Education offers a ‘Basic Accreditation Course’ which meets the minimum standard of training, Other courses are offered in regional areas. Our church is making every effort to encourage its authorised teachers to avail themselves of the opportunity to become better equipped and aim for a clear understanding of the Christian faith and practice adequate levels of competence in teaching. ICCOREIS also offer courses for SRE teachers.

Information on 2010 Training Sessions

What curriculum do I use?

The recommended curriculum is developed by ACCESS ministries. It offers material over a three year cycle, it aims to provide a general understanding of the Bible, the Church and Christian values.

What is the Inter-Church Commission on Religious Education in Schools (ICCOREIS)?

This body was established in 1972 and is a representative organisation of the major churches in NSW and is responsible to its member churches. It exists to provide a fully representative context for inter-church discussion and negotiations on religious education in government schools. SRE Update is an occasional paper for SRE Teachers produced by ICCOREIS.

The SRE Curriculum suggested is produced by ACCESS ministries in Victoria. It introduces students to key beliefs and values rooted in biblical teaching.

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