Aboriginal Studies 7–10 Syllabus (2020)
Find out more about the Aboriginal Studies 7–10 Syllabus (2020) and access teaching and learning support materials.
New syllabus implemented from 2027
The new Aboriginal Studies 7–10 Syllabus (2024) is to be implemented from 2027.
• 2025 and 2026 – Plan and prepare to teach the new syllabus
• 2027 – Start teaching the new syllabus
School sectors are responsible for implementing syllabuses and are best placed to provide schools with specific guidance and information on implementation given their understanding of their individual contexts.
Detailed implementation information, including key features and resources, is available on the HSIE syllabus development page.
About the course
Aboriginal Studies provides opportunities to develop knowledge and understanding of the diverse cultures, identities and lived experiences of Aboriginal Peoples. It explores the importance of autonomy and self-determination, and the range of relationships between Aboriginal Peoples and non-Aboriginal people. The development of research and consultation skills for respectful engagement with Aboriginal communities enables students to become active and informed advocates for a just and inclusive world.
Aboriginal Studies is designed to be inclusive of all students in NSW schools, and is of value to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students, and non-Aboriginal students.
Aboriginal Studies provides students with opportunities to develop knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal Peoples, histories, cultures and experiences. It is designed for all students and is of value to both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal students.
The Aboriginal Studies Years 7–10 course includes Life Skills outcomes and content for students with disability.
Students learn about the diversity of Aboriginal Peoples’ identities, cultures and communities, which are interconnected with Country and spirituality. They learn about the dynamic nature of cultural expression, and the maintenance of Aboriginal identities and cultures. They also develop understanding of the importance of self-determination and autonomy for the ongoing contribution and success of Aboriginal Peoples and communities. Students study historical and contemporary experiences of Aboriginal Peoples, factors that influence non-Aboriginal peoples’ perceptions of Aboriginal Peoples and cultures, and the effects of these perceptions. They learn about the range of interactions and relationships between Aboriginal Peoples and non-Aboriginal people, and the continued roles of Aboriginal Peoples and communities locally, regionally, nationally and internationally.
Students develop understanding of community consultation protocols that enable them to engage respectfully and responsibly with their local Aboriginal community and other Aboriginal communities. They learn about the importance of Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP), and ethical research practices to gather, protect and interpret data. In their research, students develop skills in the use of a range of research techniques and technologies to locate, select, organise and communicate information and findings.
Through their study of core and option topics, case studies and research, students develop knowledge, understanding, skills, values and attitudes that are of value to their personal, social, cultural, academic and professional development, and enable them to become active and informed advocates for a just and inclusive world.
Board Developed Course
Course number(s):
- 410 Aboriginal Studies 200 hours
- 411 Aboriginal Studies 100 hours
- 415 Aboriginal Studies Life Skills 200 hours
- 414 Aboriginal Studies Life Skills 100 hours
Exclusions: Students may not access both the Aboriginal Studies Years 7–10 outcomes and content and the Aboriginal Studies Life Skills outcomes and content.
Students may undertake 100 or 200 hours of study in Aboriginal Studies in Stage 4 and/or Stage 5.
Information about curriculum requirements for the RoSA are available on Assessment Certification Examination (ACE).
Assessment information and support
Teaching and learning support
Use these support materials to guide and plan your teaching and assessment.
The Life Skills outcomes worksheet can be used to collect information on the outcomes that a student has achieved before recording them in Schools Online.