Special Religious Education: An Exploration of Pedagogy

Abstract

In several states of Australia, parents who send their children to public schools can also elect that they participate in special religious education (SRE). SRE is taught in public schools during school hours by visiting teachers who provide education in the beliefs and practices of their religion. The religious organisations that these SRE teachers represent are responsible for both the selection and training of SRE teachers, and the provision of curriculum. Although SRE is common in many public schools, little is known about the distinctive nature of its pedagogy.