At Dungog Public School:
Special Religious Education (Scripture)
Scripture lessons are organised by approved SRE providers and are taught by community members each fortnight for an hour. Parents/carers have the option of their child/children attending Non-denominational or Catholic SRE lessons. Parents/carers may opt (in writing) for their child/children not to attend SRE. Students who do not participate in SRE lessons are provided with alternative work in another classroom during this time.
Ethics
Students who elect to not participate in SRE (Scripture) lessons are able to participate in Ethics lessons. Department of Education approved providers provide these lessons. Ethics lessons are conducted at the same time as SRE lessons.
Parent and caregiver rights:
The right to religious education:
Parents/Caregivers in public schools have the right to have their children receive instruction in their religious persuasion, where authorised teachers of that persuasion are available.
The right of choice:
Parents/Caregivers may nominate an alternative persuasion, where special religious education cannot be offered for students of a particular religious persuasion, or for other reasons.
Parents/Caregivers also have the right to choose not to have their children attend special religious education.
The right to information:
Parents/Caregivers have the right to know how special religious education will be organised each year and which religious organisations will deliver it.
Parents/Caregivers who choose for their children not to attend special religious education also have the right to know what options are available including special education in ethics where avaliable by qualified and approved providers.