Syllabus development for Science

Science syllabuses have been reformed as part of the NSW Curriculum Reform program.

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New Science and Technology K–6 Syllabus (2024)

Implementation from 2027

The new Science and Technology K–6 Syllabus (2024) is to be implemented from 2027.

  • 2024 Plan and prepare to teach the new syllabus.
  • 2027 Start teaching 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 circumstances.

The Science and Technology K–6 Engagement Report (PDF 1.63MB) documents consultation feedback and the actions NESA took in response.

Key features

  • The new K–6 curriculum is aligned to the latest evidence and research.
  • For the first time the K–6 curriculum has been developed cohesively to support depth of learning and enhance student engagement.
  • The new syllabuses will complement and strengthen literacy and numeracy with close alignment to new English and Mathematics K–10 syllabuses.
  • Access content points support students with significant intellectual disability who are working towards Early Stage 1 outcomes.
  • In the Science and Technology K–6 syllabus, students develop understanding that Earth and all living things depend on energy to survive.
  • In Science and Technology K–6, students learn to apply their knowledge to develop critical and creative thinking to create designed and digital solutions.

New Science and Technology K–6 Syllabus (2024)

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New Science and Technology K–6 Syllabus (2024)

The Science and Technology K–6 Syllabus aims to foster students’ wonder and curiosity as they seek to know, understand and make sense of the world.

The syllabus supports students to understand natural phenomena and ways in which science and technologies can be used for the benefit of humanity and the planet.

Areas of study include Design and Digital Technologies, animals, plants, Earth and space and the human body.

Students observe, test and question to gather data as evidence to support scientific arguments.

By using digital technologies and design processes to create and evaluate solutions, students develop programming skills, enhancing their creative and critical thinking.

The syllabus has been developed using evidence-based research.

Clear, concise language identifies the essential content for all learners.

Across learning areas, the primary curriculum is designed to be coherent, and is carefully sequenced, to build vocabulary and rich background knowledge that students can draw on as they encounter increasingly complex concepts and language.

Students engage in practical investigations, applying literacy and numeracy skills to gather, represent and interpret data.

Explicit writing content supports students to become fluent creators of texts and to deepen their understanding of scientific concepts and processes.

Students learn about environments, energy and materials and explore design possibilities for creating a sustainable future.

Students are provided with opportunities to develop technological literacy skills through the use of digital and design technologies.

New South Wales classrooms are diverse.

Each student brings abilities, talents, backgrounds and experiences that should be valued and nurtured.

NESA’s Statement of Equity Principles makes sure that syllabuses are designed to be inclusive of every student in NSW, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, students with disability, students learning English as an additional language or dialect, and gifted and talented students.

Early Stage 1 access content points provide a pathway for students with intellectual disability.

The syllabus is provided on a purpose-built website with quick, easy navigation and access to outcomes and content.

Syllabus elements are easily viewed, downloaded and printed.

The curriculum provides teachers with more time to focus on teaching, so that students develop a deeper understanding of core concepts.

It supports students to develop strong foundations for learning, life and work in a complex and fast-changing world.

You can view the syllabus and information regarding implementation at curriculum.nsw.edu.au

[End of transcript]

Schools will have access to support materials to assist with implementation including teaching advice.

New Science 7–10 Syllabus (2023)

Implementation from 2026

The new Science 7–10 Syllabus (2023) is to be implemented from 2026.

  • 2024 and 2025 Plan and prepare to teach the new syllabus.
  • 2026 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.

The Science 7–10 Engagement Report (PDF 1.07MB) documents consultation feedback and the actions NESA took in response.

Key features

  • New interdisciplinary structure reflects the latest research evidence in science. For example, students would consider a scientific concept from an interdisciplinary approach and not just through a single discipline of Biology and Chemistry.
  • Increased connections between science and mathematics with the integration and application of mathematical language. A new data book containing resources such as a periodic table, mathematical formulas, chemical data and a geological time scale will be included.
  • New Depth studies support deeper learning and greater student choice.
  • New topics and information including a greater focus on using data and data science to make ethical evidence-based decisions.
  • A new ‘Science in-context’ section in each Focus Area gives greater emphasis on application of knowledge and allows for contexts relevant to a student’s local area and their real life to be studied.
  • Strengthened links between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander scientific Knowledges and Cultural Practices. Content includes the contributions and Cultural Knowledges of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples to Astronomy, sustainability and land management.
  • Life Skills outcomes and content provide opportunities for students with intellectual disability to develop the processes of Working scientifically and extend their literacy and numeracy skills in authentic contexts.

New Science 7–10 Syllabus (2023)

Read transcript
Video transcript

New Science 7–10 Syllabus (2023)

The Science 7–10 Syllabus prioritises the development of students’ scientific literacy. Students learn through observation, experimentation, critical analysis and creative thinking and are equipped with the tools required to investigate phenomena, make predictions and solve problems.

The syllabus has been developed using evidence-based research.

Clear, concise language identifies the key concepts, knowledge and skills for all learners.

The syllabus integrates knowledge and skills across different science disciplines. This enables students to make connections and deepen their scientific understanding. Topics such as data science, pseudoscience and climate change emphasise ethical evidence-based decision-making and provide strong alignment between science and mathematics.

The inclusion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander scientific Knowledges and Cultural Practices provides opportunities for students to learn about the oldest continuing living Cultures in the world.

The syllabus highlights real-life applications of science that encourage students to explore relevant contexts. The inclusion of Depth Studies provides students with the opportunity for deeper learning in areas of personal interest.

New South Wales classrooms are diverse.

Each student brings abilities, talents, backgrounds and experiences that should be valued and nurtured.

NESA’s Statement of Equity Principles makes sure that syllabuses are designed to be inclusive of every student in NSW, including Aboriginal students, students with disability, students learning English as an additional language or dialect, and gifted and talented students.

Life Skills 7–10 outcomes and content provides a pathway for students with intellectual disability.

The Life Skills content focuses on topics including assessing the credibility of claims, handling equipment and chemicals safely, engaging respectfully with others and making informed decisions.

The syllabus is provided on a purpose-built website with quick, easy navigation and access to outcomes and content.

Syllabus elements are easily viewed, downloaded and printed.

The curriculum provides teachers with more time to focus on teaching, so that students develop a deeper understanding of core concepts.

It supports students to develop strong foundations for learning, life and work in a complex and fast-changing world.

You can view the syllabus and information regarding implementation at curriculum.nsw.edu.au

[End of transcript]

Schools will have access to support materials to assist with implementation including teaching advice.

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