Melanie Lawson is passionate about helping young people learn how to think critically and make good decisions. As a volunteer Primary Ethics teacher and coordinator at Oberon Public School, she brings structured ethical discussions into the classroom each week – and she’s calling on others to join her.
Primary Ethics is a not-for-profit organisation that delivers free ethics classes to students across New South Wales. Founded to provide an alternative to Special Religious Education (SRE), the program encourages children to explore ideas around fairness, honesty, respect, and responsibility through stories and age-appropriate ethical dilemmas.
Melanie currently teaches two ethics classes each week – the only ones on offer at Oberon Public School. As the sole volunteer at the school, she is keen to expand the program and increase awareness among parents and carers. With enough new volunteers, the school could potentially offer more classes in 2026.
“I would like to build the program by recruiting more volunteer teachers as well as raising awareness of Primary Ethics within the school community,” Melanie said.
Primary Ethics provides full training and support to its volunteers. Teachers follow scripted lessons that guide students through engaging discussions on topics like lying, inclusion, promises, and making difficult choices. No teaching experience is necessary – just an interest in helping children learn how to think, not what to think.
Classes are held during the school’s allocated SRE/SEE timeslot, and volunteers can choose how many classes they wish to run depending on availability. Training is free, and new volunteers are supported with detailed lesson materials and ongoing mentoring.
Volunteers come from all walks of life – from university students to retirees. Lawson says becoming a Primary Ethics teacher is a rewarding way to contribute to the community. If you have a little time and an interest in helping kids grow into thoughtful, ethical adults, Melanie encourages you to get involved.
The program currently operates in over 500 schools across New South Wales, with thousands of children taking part every week. But many schools, particularly in regional areas, still don’t have enough volunteers to meet demand.
Anyone interested in finding out more or becoming a volunteer teacher at Oberon Public School can contact Melanie Lawson directly on 0431 214 687 or visit primaryethics.com.au.
