The Public School System - and Religion !

Australia is a secular country.  We recognise no paramount religion and we are proud of the religious freedom which allows all faiths to be practised by their adherents.  Religion is not part of the education system and yet different rules apply from state to state.

In New South Wales many schools integrate religious instruction within the teaching schedule and in class time.   Special Religious Education ( SRE ) is delivered by invited religious groups on a scheduled basis and applies to all pupils, unless parents specifically ask that their children be withdrawn.  In such cases, the school arranges alternative activities.

Strangely, the education department keeps no record of the numbers of students who attend SRE lessons, nor does it authorise or oversee the material taught.   Religious providers choose the material used and self certify once a year that the content is appropriate.  The particular religion having access to SRE seems to be at the whim of the school principal.

Most religions claim that they don't use SRE to  proselytise individual religions.  The sessions are aimed at promoting good citizenship and tolerance, but it is obvious that religious instruction must encounter a degree of conflict between the widely held forms of religion that exist.  In the school systems many other forms of extracurricular interest groups, including music and sport, hold activities outside of school hours.   It seems strange that religion occupies time focussed on delivering a formal education timetable.

Traditionally, religious instruction for the young was the basis of what was called " Sunday School ".
Individual churches usually held sessions for the children of parishioners on Sunday mornings and these were a mix of fun and religious learning.  They are becoming rare and no longer attract great numbers.

In Victoria, parent groups have successfully had SRE removed from the public school system, and now moves are underway to bring it to an end in New South Wales.   This comes at a time when our public education is falling short of international standards and more time is needed to extend teaching in maths and science.

Many religions compete with the public education system by providing their own religious schools.  In many cases the teaching staff are also ordained in the appropriate order and that religion is actively promoted.  Students from non religious families and from other religions accept that their children will be exposed to the dogma that applies to the religion running the school.

Religion seems to be a fading belief across middle Australia.  Congregations in churches are dwindling but religions not previously represented here are making a stronger appeal.  Perhaps there is an opportunity to retool SRE away from the teaching of individual religions and use it to promote religious tolerance.

That is certainly something that is desperately needed.  What better than to use a small segment of public school time than to reduce the chasm between the worlds religious beliefs ?