CALLS to scrap scripture in public schools have come amid figures that fewer students are religious.
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A campaign to put an end to the 40 minute mandatory lessons was started by the NSW Teachers' Federation due to a mandate that no formal learning can take place for students who opt out.
In Tamworth, almost 38 per cent of students ticked 'not religious' on enrollment, Department of Education figures show.
Public schools allow time for Special Religious Education [SRE], but it's what happens to students that opt out of time set aside for scripture that concerns parents, New England P&C director Rachel Sowden said.
"Schools often find that they do have a crowded curriculum and there has been a push in the last few years to look at SRE and whether it is still appropriate to be taught in public schools," she said.
"Kids that don't do SRE often have less to do, they watch a video or sit in the library or the hall - they are often left to their own devices and parents find that's time that could be better spent engaging in the curriculum."
Ethics classes are taught at some schools as an alternative to SRE for families that are not religious, but aren't as readily available without volunteers.
In Tamworth, 30 per cent of students identified as Anglican, another 23 per cent as Catholic and 5.2 per cent as Christian.
Farrer Memorial High School and Oxley High School had the highest number of religious students at 66 per cent and 57 per cent.
Students at Tamworth South Public School were the least religious, 43 per cent stated no religion on enrollment, followed closely by Tamworth West Public School and Peel High School.
Religious organisations must apply to the state government to be an authorised provider, it can be any faith from Hinduism to Pentacostal to Islam.
Deacon Paul Manvell is the Catholic Diocese of Armidale SRE coordinator, he organises volunteers for almost anywhere in the New England North West.
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"We are aware of the emotional, academic, spiritual and physical wellbeing of a child," Mr Manvell said.
"Aside from maths and science they need to be aware Christian values go much deeper into the human side of spirituality.
"SRE has been taught in school for many decades and I hope that we bring a love to some children who but for our amazing SRE teachers would not know the love of God."
Where practical, special education in ethics can be provided for students, a Department of Education spokesman said.
"Schools are to provide meaningful activities for students who's parents have withdrawn them from special religious education," he said.
Madeline Link
Madeline Link is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald, with a focus on Lake Macquarie City Council. To keep up with my stories, follow my Twitter @madeline_link, for tips email madeline.link@newcastleherald.com.au.
Madeline Link is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald, with a focus on Lake Macquarie City Council. To keep up with my stories, follow my Twitter @madeline_link, for tips email madeline.link@newcastleherald.com.au.
