The Department of Education of New South Wales today issued a new primary school syllabus which emphasizes no single religion and teaches “the good life, ” rather than religious dogma. The new syllabus replaces a 1959 revision of the social studies curriculum which had included Scripture with the expressed aim of underlining Christianity. That curriculum was officially aimed to give meaning and purpose “to our Australian way of life. “
The change goes into effect immediately and is expected to cause controversy among some parents and church leaders. Members of the Jewish community and the Humanist Society had opposed the old syllabus.
“Public education can no longer emphasize a single system of religion as the basis of ethical instruction, ” the new sullabus declares. The instructions added that the curriculum “is not concerned with teaching Christianity or Judaism, but may often be concerned with teaching about Christianity or Judaism or about the religious systems to which our Asian neighbors adhere. It will bring out worthy ethical principles shared by all men. It will develop tolerance of all religions. “
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