Premier Nathan Rees announced last week that the State Government would develop a proposal with the St James Ethics Centre to run a trial of ethics classes next year.

Years5 and 6 pupils in up to 10 primary schools would take part in the trial over two terms.

Mr Rees said: ``Parents have said they want their children to be fully engaged when they are at school.

``The current system, however, does not allow for educational classes for children who do not participate in scripture.

``Approving ethics classes means a simple addition to classes without diminishing the importance of religion for other families.''

Baulkham Hills North P&C vice-president Sarah Flynn made a submission to Education Minister Verity Firth last September for the school to participate in the secular program.

Mrs Flynn said the school's expected inclusion would allow the children to make the best use of their education and develop higher-order thinking.

She said the program was an opportunity for children who do not attend scripture to reinforce ideas raised in the school's behaviour-quality program, based on the values of honesty, truth, responsibility, respect, kindness, effort and loyalty.

``It will allow kids to further explore these issues at an age-appropriate level,'' Mrs Flynn said.

``Learning about things such as truth have been shown to help with behaviour, discipline and consequences.''

Mrs Flynn said 90 of the school's 600 pupils from year 3 to year 6 do not attend scripture classes and under NSW Department of Education policy are not allowed to use the time for homework or alternative formal learning in the area of ethics, values, civics or general religious education.

The Board of Studies will develop the curriculum and will deal with issues such as fairness, telling the truth, bullying and honesty.

The Education Minister will consult the Teachers Federation, religious organisations and other groups about the trial. Schools can nominate to participate in the trial.