Primary Ethics is holding teacher training in a bid to support new ethics classes in Hastings schools.

Volunteers are needed at Telegraph Point, Wauchope and Beechwood Public Schools so children can have the opportunity to attend ethics classes.

Currently, Hastings and Laurieton Public Schools have established ethics programs. Other local schools may also offer ethics classes if parents request the classes and volunteers are available to attend the training and facilitate the weekly sessions.

Ethics classes have been available at Hastings Public School since 2011 thanks to the valuable contribution of dedicated volunteers.

Coordinator Ute Morris says the ethics program at Hastings Public school has been very well received by the school community.

“Children enjoy the interesting topics and parents value ethics classes as a meaningful part of their children’s education.  Volunteer teachers enjoy the interactions with the kids and the opportunity to be engaged with the school,” Ute said.

Volunteer ethics teachers do not need a background in teaching or ethics, just a willingness to learn how to deliver classes.

“This is the first time we have had training nearby for families in Port Macquarie. It’s great that Primary Ethics is supporting the availability of ethics classes in regional NSW.”

Ethics classes are available for children who have opted out of scripture classes. They provide an opportunity for children to develop skills in collaborative inquiry, logical reasoning, critical thinking, respectful disagreement, listening and self-expression.

In ethics classes children discuss a wide variety of scenarios and stories, learning how to think about ethical matters through the give-and-take of reasoned argument. They are encouraged to think about the impact of their actions, not just on the people close to them, but also on the broader community.

Children from kindergarten to year 6 discuss age appropriate topics including homelessness, keeping promises, the treatment of living things, fairness and being an ethical consumer.

The ethics curriculum is developed by Primary Ethics, the charity approved to offer ethics classes in NSW public schools. Children in more than 400 primary schools across NSW participate in ethics classes    

The two-day teacher training workshop will be held in August at Wingham Brush.

For more information about the curriculum and how to volunteer visit the Primary Ethics website at www.primaryethics.com.au.