The trial of secular ethics classes in NSW schools, as an optional alternative to scripture classes, has now concluded. The trial involved ten primary schools and about 500 students. We can read the whole report here. There'll be further public consultation, which will doubtless involve more attempts by the churches to torpedo the whole thing. Meanwhile, the Minister says:
The independent evaluation found high levels of engagement among students when discussing ethical issues and that it enabled them to discuss and understand the principles of ethical decision-making.
It also found that the course met the aim of introducing students to the language and nature of ethics and ethical issues.
Overall it's a positive report which makes a number of recommendations to be considered if the course is approved.
I look forward to reading the report and to a positive outcome in implementing its recommendations.
About Me
- Russell Blackford
- Australian philosopher, literary critic, legal scholar, and professional writer. Based in Newcastle, NSW. My latest books are THE TYRANNY OF OPINION: CONFORMITY AND THE FUTURE OF LIBERALISM (2019); AT THE DAWN OF A GREAT TRANSITION: THE QUESTION OF RADICAL ENHANCEMENT (2021); and HOW WE BECAME POST-LIBERAL: THE RISE AND FALL OF TOLERATION (2024).
3 comments:
What a great initiative! Every forward thinking government should be doing this.
That's great to hear. I agree entirely with Mark.
If you are in NSW, parents4ethics.org has a form which you can use to send feedback on the report to both the Dept of Education and your local member.
The final decision on implementation is yet to be made so expressions of support for the classes are still needed.
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