Ethics classes in NSW schools

[TimB]

Ethics classes are to be trialed in a few NSW public schools as an alternative to scripture. It's just a pilot program but at least it's a start.

http://www.smh.com.au/national/rees-plans-to-introduce-ethics-classes-in-school-20091124-jhef.html

The NSW government has finally done something good for the state.

Wait for the negative onslaught from Sydneys conservative anglicans and catholics....on it's way....

[atheist_angel]

Ethics classes are to be trialed in a few NSW public schools as an alternative to scripture. It's just a pilot program but at least it's a start.

http://www.smh.com.au/national/rees-plans-to-introduce-ethics-classes-in-school-20091124-jhef.html

The NSW government has finally done something good for the state.

Wait for the negative onslaught from Sydneys conservative anglicans and catholics....on it's way....
Wait. I'm confused. Are they going to have it include "general religion" or aren't they?
From another previous article (http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/09/26/2697351.htm): "They have asked Education Minister Verity Firth to approve a pilot course on ethics, values and general religion."

[Just another animal]

The courses are to run by the St. James Ethics Centre. Now they say they are no longer affiliated with the St James Anglican Church, but having your origins in your name may be nice, but surely it would lead to some people (myself included) that initially say, hang on a minute. St James? that sounds a bit religious.

I think it's a step in the right direction and would love to see the content of the course before agreeing or disagreeing with it's inclusion as an alternative to thumb twiddling.

M.

[Brad]

Wait for the negative onslaught from Sydneys conservative anglicans and catholics....on it's way....

Oh, I sincerely hope so. Bring...it...on...

[TimB]

From what I can tell the course is to be secular and primarily aimed a teaching kids to think about and discuss ethics etc. I think its a good idea to get kids thinking about this stuff in an environment where there is no religion involve. I feel sorry for the kids of religious parents who will miss out.

As for the St James ethics centre - these guys were behind the recent Festival of Dangerous Ideas at the Opera House which was headlined by Hitchens - they seem genuine in their claim to independence.

[robertkd]

@TimB I have also been interested in this program and agree, it would be good to see it across the board perhaps instead of the "school chaplaincy" program doubly so if it is totally secular.

[Lapin]

The anglicans are already trying to get this knocked on the head. You can practically smell the fear ...

http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,26399454-5003402,00.html

[robertkd]

Interesting link indeed any and every reason to protect the "special religious education system", the whole statement from mr Davies seemed like any excuse to get their hands on the kids minds. My favourite statement.


"If so, then teach it as a part of the curriculum rather than allowing a non-religious group to enter the realm of the special religious education system."

Although as I have said previously I would rather the money being spent on the "School Chaplaincy" program spent on something like this Ethics program,...

[TING]

A good start, but I agree the numerous religious groups that infect most state governments will start bleating loudly about this. I read that link and couldn't get past the 6th paragraph, where Bishop Davis whines about a "dangerous precedent". *rolls eyes*

[TimB]

Yes a very dangerous precedent indeed - getting kids from all cultural backgrounds together in the one class room to discuss ethics in a non-judgemental environment. What a shocking effect this could have on our large multicultural society.

[NakedApe]

A good start, but I agree the numerous religious groups that infect most state governments will start bleating loudly about this. I read that link and couldn't get past the 6th paragraph, where Bishop Davis whines about a "dangerous precedent". *rolls eyes*

It is a dangerous precedent - but only for parasites like Davies, who may one day find themselves out of a job :D

[gruber]

Mr Rees said the ethics curriculum will be drawn up in consultation with religious organisations, the NSW Teachers Federation and other organisations.


Why consulte them? Is it to make sure no flithy secular ideas get in it

[DanDare]

From the St James Ethics Forum (http://www.ethics.org.au/ethics-forum/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=59&p=555#p555):

Re Arry's comment: "For instance the St. Jame's ethics centre is Christian based so if they were developing the courses there would no doubt be a christian influence."

The ethics-based complement to scripture pilot, approved this week by Minister Firth and Premier Rees, will be developed by UNSW Professor Philip Cam under the auspices of the St James Ethics Centre. Professor Cam, an international expert in philosophical and ethical inquiry for children, will be designing a secular, ethics-based course.

Saint James Ethics Centre is not a religious organisation and does not seek to promote any religion.The Centre does not receive any funding from religious organisations.

The Centre’s name is derived from the fact that it was originally established by the parish of St James’ Anglican Church, King Street, Sydney. The Centre’s founders were concerned, from the outset, to ensure that the Centre was genuinely independent and it has always been open to people of good will of all faiths and of no faith at all.