'Scripture' (SRE - Special Religious Education)
Whenever possible, special activities are arranged which allow students to explore various aspects of being Jewish
In New South Wales, legislation provides that every government primary school shall provide one lesson of Special Religious Education or SRE (popularly known as 'Scripture') to its pupils each week. Schools provide a number of Special Religious Education classes to reflect the religious composition of their student body, and parents nominate the faith group which their child will attend during SRE (schools also provide a 'Non-Scripture' option for parents who prefer that their child not receive religious instruction).
Academy BJE is the authorised provider of Jewish SRE lessons and teachers in New South Wales government schools.
At which schools does Academy BJE provide Jewish SRE?
Academy BJE provides SRE lessons at over 70 government schools throughout New South Wales. The majority of these schools are in the Sydney metropolitan area, but we also provide lessons in some outer metropolitan and country schools. We attempt to provide a teacher and lessons in any NSW government school where there are a minimum of three students interested in attending a Jewish SRE class; it is not necessary that all the students are in the same grade as it is possible to run composite classes, depending on school timetabling policies.
When do SRE lessons take place? How long do lessons last?
SRE lessons take place during normal school hours. The day and time at which SRE takes place varies from school to school and you should consult your local school for details of their timetable. Most schools offer SRE lessons which are 30 minutes long, but some schools offer longer SRE lessons up to 45 minutes in length.
What do students learn in SRE lessons?
In May 2010 students at Birchgrove PS
had hands-on experience making their own challah
Academy BJE provides a structured curriculum for students in Jewish SRE classes. Students are encouraged to feel positive about being Jewish and to identify with the Jewish community. They learn about Jewish holidays, values, synagogue basics and Israel; older children also explore ethical aspects of Judaism and explore some areas of Jewish history. Basic Jewish prayers are incorporated into each lesson. Where possible, lessons are also enriched with activities such as demonstration Sedarim for Pesach (Passover), hands-on experiences, craft activities, guest presenters and visits from Jewish youth groups.
What if my child's school does not offer Jewish SRE?
If there are sufficient students interested in attending Jewish SRE (a minimum of 3 students per class is required), then approach the school and request that they contact Academy BJE to arrange for a Jewish SRE teacher to attend at the school. If you are uncertain how many potentially interested students there are, the school may be able to assist you e.g. by placing a notice in the school newsletter asking interested parents to contact you.
Please note that despite our best endeavours, it is not always possible to provide a Jewish SRE teacher to every school which requests one as logistical and other considerations may prevent a suitable teacher being available.
Is SRE offered in high schools?
A very limited number of high schools do offer SRE as part of their program. The frequency of SRE at these high schools varies from once per week to once per term, depending on the individual school.
My child attends a school where Jewish SRE is not offered. Are there alternatives?
For children in Jewishly remote areas Academy BJE offers a correspondence program.
Academy BJE runs JSN (Jewish Student Network) in a number of selected high schools.
Academy BJE also offers a JETS class taught at the BJE premises (in Bondi) one afternoon per week after school hours.
Is it possible for my child to receive more Jewish education than just SRE?
Academy BJE runs additional programs in selected government schools where there is sufficient demand. These programs are JETS and Hebrew. In addition, Hebrew is offered as a school subject in a small number of government schools.
