Record of changes for Science Extension
All changes made to the Science Extension syllabus are recorded here. Learn about these updates.
About the record of changes
This record details amendments to the syllabus, school-based assessment and exams for the course.
Changes are also communicated via NESA official notices or news items in NESA News.
New Stage 6 syllabuses and school-based assessment requirements
(Official Notice NESA 39/17)
New syllabuses and school-based assessment requirements are to be implemented from Term 1, 2018 for Year 11 and Term 4, 2018 for Year 12. The course will be examined for the first time for the HSC in 2019. Support materials, exam specifications and sample exam materials are available.
Advice to teachers of Science about Creationism and Intelligent Design
(Official Notice BOS 17/09)
In developing the NSW Science curriculum, the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA – formerly the Board of Studies NSW) undertook extensive consultation with experts in the field to ensure that content, including that relating to evolution, would be consistent with accepted scientific knowledge and understanding.
NESA wishes to remind teachers that Creationism and Intelligent Design are not part of the NESA’s Science syllabuses. If taught as part of any school-based program, it must be clear to students that Creationism and Intelligent Design:
- are not scientific, nor evidence-based
- will not be included in any task that forms part of the assessment of student achievement for the award of the Higher School Certificate
- will not be tested in any Higher School Certificate exam and will not be relevant to any response to Higher School Certificate questions.