Earth and Environmental Science Stage 6 Syllabus (2017)
The Earth and Environmental Science Stage 6 Syllabus (2017) is for students in Stage 6. Find out more about the syllabus and access teaching and learning support materials.
New syllabus implemented from 2028
The new Earth and Environmental Science 11–12 Syllabus (2025) is to be implemented from 2028.
2025 to 2027
• Plan and prepare to teach Earth and Environmental Science 11–12 Syllabus (2025)
2028, Term 1
• Start teaching Earth and Environmental Science 11–12 Syllabus (2025) for Year 11
• Start implementing new Year 11 school-based assessment requirements
• Continue to teach the Earth and Environmental Science Stage 6 Syllabus (2017) for Year 12
2028, Term 4
• Start teaching Earth and Environmental Science 11–12 Syllabus (2025) for Year 12
• Start implementing new Year 12 school-based assessment requirements
2029
• First HSC examination for Earth and Environmental Science 11–12 Syllabus (2025)
About the course
Students learn about the compositional layers of the Earth and how they interact, including the atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere and climate. They consider the importance of sustainability, resource management and hazard mitigation.
The Year 11 course investigates compositional layers of the Earth, the origins of minerals, tectonic movements and energy transformations and includes the study of human impact on the Earth’s resources and its surface.
The Year 12 course investigates how the processes of plate tectonics, the formation of water and the introduction of life interact with the atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere and climate. Investigation of hazards, the mitigation of their effects and resource management are also considered, which leads to an understanding of the need to centralise the theme of sustainability for the long-term welfare of our planet and all forms of life dependent upon it.
Preliminary
The Year 11 course consists of four modules:
- Module 1 Earth’s Resources
- Module 2 Plate Tectonics
- Module 3 Energy Transformations
- Module 4 Human Impacts
HSC
The Year 12 course consists of four modules:
- Module 5 Earth’s Processes
- Module 6 Hazards
- Module 7 Climate Science
- Module 8 Resource Management
Board Developed Course
Course number(s):
- 11100 Earth and Environmental Science (2 units – Year 11)
- 15100 Year 12 Earth and Environmental Science (2 units – Year 12)
Prerequisites: Nil
Corequisites: Nil
Pattern of study: A student may count up to:
- Year 11: Six units of Science
- Year 12: Seven units of Science
to satisfy pattern of study requirements for the HSC.
Eligibility: Nil
Study via self-tuition: No
Exclusions:
- 16649 Earth and Space Science Life Skills (2 units – Year 11)
- 16649 Earth and Space Science Life Skills (2 units – Year 12)
Students are provided with 15 hours of course time for depth studies in both Year 11 and Year 12. During this time students may undertake an investigation/activity that allows for the further development of one or more scientific concepts.
A depth study may be one investigation/activity or a series of investigations/activities. Depth studies may be included in one module or across several modules.
Practical investigations are an essential part of the Year 11 and Year 12 courses and must occupy a minimum of 35 hours of course time each year.
Fieldwork is mandated in both Year 11 and Year 12 and is an integral part of the learning process.
The knowledge and skills developed in this course can be applied across a range of career pathways.
Industries related to this course include, but are not limited to, the following outlined on the Your Career website:
Assessment and exam information and support
Teaching and learning support
Use these support materials to guide and plan your teaching and assessment.