Special religious education and special education in ethics

At our school, Scripture (SRE) and Ethics Education (SEE) classes are held weekly on Fridays from 9:00 to 9:30 am.

In accordance with Section 32 of the Education Act 1990, time is allocated each week for religious education for students of any religious persuasion. Scripture classes are taught by authorised representatives from approved providers who hold the necessary clearances.

For students whose parents/caregivers prefer their child not to attend Scripture classes, Primary Ethics is offered as an alternative under Section 33A of the Education Act 1990. Students opting out of both Scripture and Ethics participate in meaningful alternative activities such as reading or completing homework during this time.

Our commitment is to ensure all students have a respectful, inclusive opportunity to engage in either Scripture or Ethics education—or alternative activities—each week. We provide parents and caregivers with information annually about these options, including how the programs are organised and who delivers them.

More information for parents and carers

Scripture (SRE) at Our School

Scripture classes (Special Religious Education) are held weekly on Fridays from 9:00 to 9:30 am.

SRE at Cudal is organised by Dougal Pottie and delivered by approved providers:
- Pete Roberts—Primary classes
- Lyn Frecklington—Infant classes
Students can participate in combined Christian SRE, which teaches children from various Christian denominations about Christian beliefs and practices.
The curriculum used in Primary classes is ‘CEP Connect’, which explores the life of Jesus in the Bible and demonstrates God’s love for all people. Lessons are age-appropriate, engaging, and inclusive, encouraging children to ask questions, explore, and learn about the Christian faith.
Teachers are authorised and trained by approved SRE providers, including:
- Baptist Churches of NSW and ACT
- Orange Evangelical Church
- Catholic Diocese of Bathurst
Students not attending SRE participate in either Special Education in Ethics or supervised, alternative meaningful activities during this time.
When enroling your child, you can choose from the approved Scripture providers offered at our school. Your child’s arrangement will continue each year unless you notify us in writing to make a change—changes can be made at any time.
For detailed information about Christian SRE and the authorised curriculum scope and sequence, please visit CEP Connect.

Ethics (SEE) at Our School

Ethics (SEE) classes are held weekly on Fridays from 9:00 to 9:30 am, running at the same time as Scripture (SRE)
SEE at Cudal is organised by Jen Green and delivered by trained volunteers:
- Jen Green
- Jo Xuereb
- Josie Lowe
The Primary Ethics program is an impartial, volunteer-led ethics education that helps students develop critical thinking and ethical reasoning skills through discussion of real-life scenarios and ethical questions.
Lessons encourage children to listen, think critically, and share their ideas while respecting differing opinions, using a “community of inquiry” approach proven to improve reasoning and academic skills.
Ethics classes explore concepts such as what we ought to do in various situations and how we ought to live, helping students develop lifelong skills to make well-reasoned ethical decisions.
The curriculum consists of over 250 lessons across 79 topics, aligned with the Australian Curriculum capabilities for ethical understanding, critical and creative thinking, and personal and social capability.
Volunteers who teach ethics are trained and certified, using Department of Education–approved lesson materials.
Enrolment in ethics classes is available to all students whose parents opt for this alternative in the SRE/SEE timeslot. To enrol your child or express interest in starting ethics classes at our school, please contact the school office.
For more information about the Primary Ethics curriculum and volunteering opportunities, visit:
Primary Ethics Curriculum
Primary Ethics Home

Other activities

Children not participating in Ethics or Scripture attend supervised, meaningful activities during this time.

Your role in the process

Parents help this process run smoothly by:

Indicating your preference on initial enrolment.
Returning the "Special Religious Education and Special Education in Ethics Participation Letter" when it is sent out at the start of each school year.
Updating your preference in writing if this changes.

For more information, contact the school or see Religion and ethics.