Special Religious Education (SRE)

Fresh Hope (Churches of Christ in NSW and ACT) is a Department of Education Approved Provider of SRE and a member of the Inter-Church Commission on Religious Education in Schools (ICCOREIS).

We believe it is both a great privilege and responsibility to invest into the lives of children and young people across NSW. It is our privilege because we know that educating children in faith and life values will assist them in growing into well rounded, responsible and caring people.

Teacher eligibility

We also take the responsibility seriously, by ensuring that all teachers that we authorise have a cleared Working With Children Check, appropriate training in child protection, understanding in basic classroom teaching and are well equipped to deliver age-appropriate lessons to school-aged children. Fresh Hope SRE teachers must also gain the endorsement of their local church before being authorised by the Fresh Hope Ministry and Mission staff. The authorisation map and process can be found below.

SRE Teacher Authorisation Map 

SRE Teacher Authorisation Process

Our teachers are often part of a combined arrangement, whereby they are also cross-authorised by the other local churches in the vicinity of the school in which they teach. Through this approach, all local protestant churches have a unified approach in serving their local school(s). Cross-authorisation can be completed using this form, or any other cross-authorisation form from another Approved Provider.

Teacher applications

SRE Teacher Applications can be requested by emailing [email protected].

Teacher training & continuous improvement

Fresh Hope partners with Godspace (NSW/ACT Baptist Association) to provide minimum training, however these documents are made available to Fresh Hope teachers and the community.

SRE Teachers Manual 

SRE Teacher Basic Training

Social Media Policy & AV Materials Procedures 

Interactive Whiteboards and Digital Projectors 

For a list of upcoming training dates, visit this website.

In addition to this training, we also undertake an annual review of SRE teaching which may include teacher self-reflection, student feedback, classroom observation, supervisor feedback, mentor support and adherence to the authorised curriculum.

The review process will guide the focus for ongoing teacher training and the topics identified will be included in the annual assurance to the department.

Complaints

Complaints relating to SRE teacher conduct, or curriculum content are taken very seriously. The Fresh Hope SRE Complaint Policy & Procedures outlines the process, with an indicator of the time frame in which a complaint should be resolved. The complaint form can be found here. 

SRE curricula

Fresh Hope partners with multiple Approved Curriculum Providers in delivering appropriate lessons to students. Details regarding schools, the curriculum used, and the Authorised Approver can be found here.