Special Ethics Education
Information for Principals
Following a decision of the NSW Government, from Term 1, 2011, schools may include a course in special education in ethics as an option for students whose parents have requested exemption from special religious education (SRE). Current implementation is for primary schools only. Special education in ethics is education in ethical decision making, action and reflection within a secular framework, based on a branch of philosophy.
St James Ethics Centre is the initial approved provider of these classes. The Centre has established a separate organisation, Primary Ethics, which is responsible for all aspects of course delivery, including providing trained volunteers and resources.
Primary Ethics will make special education in ethics available in Years 5-6 from Term 1, 2011 at schools where Primary Ethics has appointed a coordinator and trained volunteer teachers are available. Information about coordinators and volunteer teachers can be found at the Primary Ethics website.
Primary Ethics intends to extend the program across the primary years as more curriculum and trained volunteer teachers become available. Coordinators appointed by Primary Ethics will liaise with Principals, providing the names and contact details of Ethics teachers. Coordinators will also work with the school to determine the demand for ethics classes for those students whose parents have sought exemption from special religious education. Parents and community members who would like to be trained as volunteer teachers of special education in ethics or school coordinators should contact Primary Ethics through its website.
Principals should assist Ethics Coordinators and Ethics Teachers to become familiar with the procedures and operations of the school. They should also provide them with a list of names of students in special education in ethics classes, and information about any special needs of students attending these classes.
All parents and caregivers of children in Years 5 and 6 are to be informed when classes in special education in ethics are available.
While Primary Ethics allows parents to register interest in ethics classes through its website, the composition of classes is determined by the Principal once the parent body has been notified of the availability of special education in ethics classes at their school for children whose parents have sought exemption from special religious education.
Parents whose children attended special religious education in 2010 but who wish them to participate in special education in ethics classes must first, formally seek exemption from special religious education. This must be done in writing. Places should only be offered in special education in ethics classes (if available) after the written application has been confirmed.
As the implementation of special education in ethics commences, availability of coordinators and authorised volunteer teachers will be an important consideration for schools in making their arrangements.
In the event that demand for ethics classes exceeds supply, those children who had already opted out of special religious education will have priority access to this class over others who might want to join subsequently.
Principals may not refuse establishment of special education in ethics classes where there is a coordinator and at least one trained Ethics Teacher available and it is “reasonably practical”.
© State of New South Wales through the Department of Education and Communities, 1999 - 2011. All rights reserved.
Conditions of use | Contact us
Report incorrect, out-of-date or missing information