Parents are able to choose between the following scripture providers at Balgowlah Heights Public School:
- Catholic Scripture
- Greek Orthodox
- Protestant
Balgowlah Heights Public School also offers classes in Ethics in all grades.
Ethics classes support children to develop a life-long capacity for making well-thought-out decisions about ethical issues. Through the give-and-take of considered argument, students learn to respectfully challenge each other’s ideas and support their own arguments with evidence, rather than according to habit or peer pressure.
Our volunteer ethics teachers, who are trained members of the school and broader community, use detailed lesson materials which present a range of stories, scenarios and questions to generate discussion. Ethics teachers are trained to impartially facilitate student discussions, helping them develop their critical thinking and collaborative inquiry skills.
Ethics teachers support student learning by:
- modelling the inquiry process – by asking questions and encouraging discussion
- showing genuine curiosity and interest in the questions being discussed
- staying neutral – ethics teachers are trained to keep their own views out of the discussion
- creating a positive learning environment – by allowing students time to think and encouraging them to share ideas and give reasons for their opinions.
The Special Education in Ethics program is provided by Primary Ethics. You can find out more information about the program from bhps.ethics@gmail.com and the Primary Ethics website.
For students not wishing to attend these programs, there is a non-scripture class available. Students attending non-scripture undertake activities such as reading.