THINK • REASON • DISCUSS

Ethics Education for Children

Primary Ethics classes for children run in hundreds of schools every week. Ethics lessons invite children to explore everyday ethical issues such as truth and lying, whether something is fair or unfair, cheating and friendship. Our impartial volunteers present stories and questions which encourage children to consider what they would do – and what they ought to do – in typical situations. The students develop skills that are essential in our complex, pressurised world – critical thinking, giving evidence-based reasons for their opinions, being able to discuss and disagree with others without putdowns, how to make well-considered decisions.

Find out about our teaching method and curriculum, how to enrol your child in ethics, how to start an ethics program at your school and ethics in high schools. You can also watch an ethics class in action.

Much more...

'Using our imagination to work out how other people feel'

The Insight program - SBS TV - filmed an ethics class on empathy, where students learn to consider other children’s feelings and motivations.

Watch the video

Thousands of volunteers from all walks of life and of all ages teach ethics in their local schools every week.

We rely on parents, grandparents and people who are community-minded. It’s a rewarding way to get involved in your local community, learn new skills and have a positive impact for the future. You don’t need teaching experience.

We offer free training, full lesson materials and ongoing support.

Find out more about volunteering with us

Respect

We create learning environments in which children practise respectful discussion.

Integrity

We employ robust recruitment and screening practices to ensure the integrity of our volunteers and the highest standards in child safety.

Independence

We provide a secular learning environment in which students of all faiths or no faith can learn together.

Excellence

Our teacher training and curriculum are continuously improved to ensure excellence in the classroom.

Primary Ethics was established to give schoolchildren the space to explore ethical dilemmas. We are an independent not-for-profit organisation and the sole approved provider of ethics classes to NSW public schools.

Since 2011, ethics classes have been implemented in over 500 schools in NSW and Primary Ethics has established itself as a highly effective education provider.

Find out more about us

Personal development

"Teaching ethics is the best thing I have done. It has changed the way I think about things, about people and situations." - An ethics teacher

Critical thinking

"When I have an idea and I have to explain 'why' to the class, the idea becomes stronger in my head." - A kindy ethics student

Confidence

"It really helps to know your opinion is valued in ethics class and everyone will be kind to you." - Zippy - an ethics student

Argue and Listen without Judging

"I can formulate an argument and listen to others, without judging them." - Year 6 ethics student

In time, not very much time at all, it will be the decisions of the children we teach today that will shape the world.

Dr Simon Longstaff – The Ethics Centre and Primary Ethics Board

Primary Ethics is a registered charity which receives no government funding. We are funded solely by donations from our many generous supporters, large and small. You can easily donate via GiveNow, Australia’s giving platform for not-for-profit organisations like ours.

There are other ways to support us too – workplace giving, a gift in your will, a regular donation…

Your contribution will help ensure ethics classes continue to support children in learning to think critically, have a respectful discussion and make well-reasoned decisions. Skills for today’s schoolchildren – tomorrow’s leaders!