SU Primary Christian Option Program
What is a Christian Option Program?
Scripture Union’s Primary Age Christian Option Programs are classroom programs which have been conducted in primary schools in South Australia since 1984.
These programs are taught in cooperation with the local churches. These churches are acting within the provision of the Education Act, which provides for “a maximum of one half day in each term to be set aside for the churches desiring to participate to hold seminars or gatherings...” [Regulations 192 (2)].
In practice, Scripture Union (SU) supports and equips local Christians through the local Inter-Church Council (ICC) to negotiate with each school, so that rather than using a single half-day block of time, Christian Option Programs are taught in three blocks of one hour, over three weeks, or sometimes over a period of one week. This is in accordance with the AIGs of the Department of Education and Children’s Services.
Christian Option Programs are designed to help students of primary age to understand the basic teachings of Jesus. This is done in a way that is appropriate for students attending government schools.
The programs are not designed to indoctrinate students into the Christian faith, nor to promote any one approach to that faith.
They are not designed to build up the faith or knowledge of those students with a Christian background, but are intended to allow all students to become aware of who Jesus is, and what he teaches. They aim to broaden students’ options, as they consider the major questions of life in an informative and educational way.
The curricula and materials used in the programs have been designed by South Australian educators, specifically for use in the schools of this state. They reflect current educational practice, and are designed to complement other religious education courses, as well as courses in social and values education.
SU’s Primary Age Christian Option Programs are taught by trained teams, working with students in their normal class groupings and rooms. These teams are comprised of local people, drawn from a variety of local churches, working in partnership with Scripture Union personnel. Class teachers are expected to be present, and are invited to participate if they wish.
Some questions...
Shouldn’t state education be secular?
Yes. But secular does not equal the non-inclusion of programs which explore people’s belief systems. Government schools should not proselytise for any particular world-view or set of values, including those often thought of as non-religious. But there is a valid and important place for the consideration of the view that there is a spiritual dimension to life, and of the beliefs and values that follow from such a view.
Is this a form of covert indoctrination?
No. Scripture Union is entirely open about its materials and methods. We work within the ethos and ethics of DECS. There is no pressure for response of any kind. We believe that any such response should occur within the context of parental understanding, and is not appropriate for the school setting.
Scripture Union’s Primary Age Christian Option Programs relate to a number of areas within the curriculum, particularly within the Societies and Cultures Strand of the SACSA Framework. We believe that the consideration of belief and value systems is at least as important as many other parts of the curriculum. Education is about the development of individuals in the fullest sense.
What if parents object?
Parents are always informed about the Christian Option Program prior to the team coming to the school, and are given opportunity to withdraw their children. Our experience has been that very few parents do withdraw their children. Scripture Union welcomes parental previewing of the curriculum outline and teaching materials. We welcome the opportunity to explain the program to a meeting of parents and/or the school council.
What if other groups want similar opportunities?
We believe that other religious groups who want to make use of the provisions within the Education Act ought to be given the same opportunities, on the basis of community support and content which is appropriate educationally.
Why aren’t the local churches doing this?
The local churches are. Scripture Union works with them as a resource organisation, making available materials, experience and expertise. Christian Option Programs are conducted on behalf of and by people from local church groups in accordance with the framework specified by DECS.
Some comments from teachers
“The format, organisation and quality of delivery is top class - congratulations. The rapport and interaction with the students is fantastic!” (Teacher, Fulham North PS)
“It would be great if we could have COP every term. They are very valuable lessons because students are starting to value their friends and respect one another more. They are starting to build up a better character because they’re made aware of moral values...” (Teacher, Berri PS)
“A great deal of your program reflects and reinforces what I am trying to achieve in my class room in regard to values, beliefs, personal responsibility, community respect etc. Thank you!” (Teacher, Prospect PS)
“It was a program that gave the students a choice without pressure. I really like the way it is aimed at the students’ level and that they can discuss ideas in a non-threatening environment. It is also fantastic that there are so many volunteers to allow for such small group work...thought it was excellent.” (Teacher, Hallet Cove PS)
“The programs fit in well with Program Achieve which runs in schools.” (Teacher, Cowandilla PS)
Some comments from students
“The interesting bits were finding out what I believed about God and Jesus because I have never thought about it before.”
“You’re all cool. Thank you for coming. I hope we see you another time.”
“Thank you for taking the time to come and tell us about God and Jesus.”
For more information
For further details on the Primary Schools Ministry, email jennyl@sa.su.org.au.