Syllabus development for Technological and Applied Studies

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.

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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 Agriculture Technology 7–10 Syllabus (2024)

Implementation from 2027

The new Agriculture Technology 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.

The Agriculture Technology 7–10 Engagement Report (PDF 903.47KB) documents consultation feedback and the actions NESA took in response.

Key features

• The NSW Government continues to deliver an evidence-based, world-class curriculum with a new Agriculture Technology syllabus for students in Years 7 to 10.
• The new syllabus has an increased focus on technologies used in agricultural contexts.
• The syllabus provides greater opportunities for schools to develop learning experiences that address local contexts.
• The syllabus content has been designed to remain relevant over time, adapting to technological change.
• Content has been included on current and emerging technologies in agricultural production, processing, and marketing.
• Greater emphasis has been placed on sustainable agricultural systems, practices and processes.
• The development of practical knowledge and skills remains integral to the learning.
• Life Skills outcomes and content provide an opportunity for students with intellectual disability to understand technological design and solutions in daily life.

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

New Aquatic Technology 7–10 Syllabus (2024)

Implementation from 2027

The new Aquatic Technology 7–10 Syllabus (2024) (previously known as Marine and Aquaculture Technology 7–10) 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.

The Aquatic Technology 7–10 Engagement Report (PDF 869.1KB) documents consultation feedback and the actions NESA took in response.

Key features

• The NSW Government continues to deliver an evidence-based, world-class curriculum with a new Aquatic Technology syllabus for students in Years 7 to 10.
• The new Aquatic Technology 7–10 Board developed syllabus replaces the Marine and Aquaculture Technology 7–10 Syllabus (2019).
• The new Aquatic Technology 7–10 Syllabus includes content on freshwater systems and recognises the importance of technologies in the management of oceans and waterways.
• New content has been included on current and emerging technologies for the monitoring and protection of aquatic environments and related industries.
• The content includes strong representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples aquatic production, practices and environmental sustainability.
• The development of practical knowledge and skills remains integral to the learning.
• Life Skills outcomes and content provide an opportunity for students with intellectual disability to develop knowledge and skills relevant to the community and workplace.

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

New Computing Technology 7–10 Syllabus (2022)

Implementation from 2024

The new Computing Technology 7–10 Syllabus (2022) is to be taught from 2024.

• 2023 Plan and prepare to teach the new syllabus.
• 2024 Start teaching the new syllabus.

Students who commenced studying the Information and Software Technology 7–10 Syllabus (2003) in 2023 may continue to study that Syllabus in 2024.

NESA developed the Computing Technology 7–10 Engagement Report (PDF 482.9KB) and new Computing Technology 7–10 Syllabus using the NESA syllabus development process.

Key features

• Includes new contemporary content and examples to prepare students for the modern digital, connected world.
• Students have more opportunities to learn through projects by applying knowledge and skills using real-world examples.
• Prepares students for future employment and study opportunities.
• Includes a greater focus on cyber safety and cyber security.

Schools will have access to support materials to assist with implementation including:

• Teaching advice
• Professional learning.

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New Computing Technology 7–10 Syllabus (2022)

The Computing Technology syllabuses for Years 7–12 improve digital literacy and learning of digital tech-nologies, preparing students for life and work in a rapidly evolving environment.

The elective subjects reflect the changing nature of computing technologies.

The syllabuses have been developed using evidence-based research to enhance essential knowledge and skills for all learners.

Simple, concise language clearly identifies key concepts, knowledge and skills.

New South Wales classrooms are diverse. Each student brings abilities, talents, backgrounds and experi-ences that should be valued and nurtured.

Our Statement of Equity Principles makes sure that syllabuses are designed to be inclusive of every stu-dent in NSW, including Aboriginal students, students with disability, students learning English as an addi-tional language or dialect, and gifted and talented students.

There are clear expectations for students to actively engage with syllabus content.

Computing solutions are developed through project work in Years 7–10 and in the Years 11–12 Enter-prise Computing and Software Engineering courses.

In Years 7–10, students learn knowledge and skills within two categories of computing: Enterprise Infor-mation Systems and Software Development.

Students can learn programming in a text-based and object-oriented language. Content is grouped into focus areas using a design and production approach.

The range of focus areas and more flexible course requirements give teachers the freedom to integrate content from more than one focus area and teach thematically. Targeted examples are included to guide teachers.

Teachers can use additional contemporary examples to support learning. For example, students learn and implement cyber safety and cybersecurity principles based on current, real-world scenarios.

The Years 7–10 streams progress to the new Enterprise Computing and Software Engineering syllabuses in Years 11–12. The Enterprise Computing 11–12 Syllabus develops deeper knowledge, understanding and skills in data analysis and the interconnected nature of computing technology used in enterprise. The Software Engineering 11–12 Syllabus develops deeper knowledge, understanding and skills associ-ated with programming and coding software solutions in the modern world for a range of applications.

Life Skills outcomes and content provide a learning pathway for students with intellectual disability.

Students develop skills to safely and effectively use technology in everyday life.

The syllabuses are provided on a purpose-built website with quick, easy navigation and access to out-comes and content.

Syllabus components are easily viewed, downloaded and printed.

The curriculum will give teachers more time to focus on teaching, so that students gain a deeper under-standing of core concepts. It will ensure students develop strong foundations for learning, life and work in a complex and fast-changing world.

You can view the syllabuses and information regarding implementation for each syllabus at www.curriculum.nsw.edu.au

Online, accredited professional development can be accessed by teachers by visiting NESA’s online learning hub. Self-enrol now.

[End of transcript]

New Design Innovation Technology 7–10 Syllabus (2025)

Implementation from 2028

The new Design Innovation Technology 7–10 Syllabus (2025) (previously known as Design and Technology 7–10) is to be implemented in 2028.

• 2026 to 2027 Plan and prepare to teach the new syllabus.
• 2028 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 Design Innovation Technology 7–10 Engagement Report documents consultation feedback and the actions NESA took in response.

Key features

• The new Design Innovation Technology 7–10 Syllabus provides students with the essential knowledge and skills to design and produce functional, inclusive and creative products.
• The syllabus has an emphasis on design thinking and innovation which allows students to develop solutions that have real-world applications, and they develop problem solving skills that can be adapted to a wide range of real-world challenges and situations.
• Students learn to become confident, skilful, efficient and discerning when using various technologies to develop and manage projects safely and responsibly.
• Life Skills outcomes and content provide access for students with intellectual disability.

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

New Engineering Technology 7–10 Syllabus (2024)

Implementation from 2027

The new Engineering Technology 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.

The Engineering Technology 7–10 Engagement Report (PDF 1.16MB) documents consultation feedback and the actions NESA took in response.

Key features

• The NSW Government continues to deliver an evidence-based, world-class curriculum with a new Engineering Technology syllabus for students in Years 7 to 10.
• The new syllabus replaces the Engineering Focus Area option from the Industrial Technology 7–10 Syllabus (2019).
• The new syllabus has an emphasis on practical experiences and project work and recognises the importance of technologies in application in a range of engineering contexts.
• The syllabus includes an Engineering Specialisation focus area and schools can select topics related to student needs and interests.
• There is an emphasis on sustainable engineering practices which enables students to understand the challenges, limitations and consequences of developing engineering solutions.
• The inclusion of content on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples use of technologies and contributions to engineering practices encourages students to embrace an understanding of cultural and social diversity in the practice and application of engineering technologies.
• Life Skills outcomes and content provide an opportunity for students with intellectual disability to develop an understanding of technological design and solutions in daily life.

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

New Technology 7–8 Syllabus (2023)

Implementation from 2026

The new Technology 7–8 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 Technology 7–8 Engagement Report (PDF 1.12MB) documents consultation feedback and the actions NESA took in response.

Key features

• Greater focus on essential knowledge, understanding and skills of technological learning with opportunities for creativity through the application of design and production processes.
• Increased knowledge, understanding and application of resources and technologies to improve sustainability.
• Greater focus on developing students’ technological literacy and ethical understanding.
• Increased opportunities for students to engage independently and collaboratively to develop practical skills and apply safe practices.
• Strengthened opportunities to learn about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People’s designs, technologies, sustainable resource management practices and innovation.

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New Technology 7–8 Syllabus (2023)

The Technology 7–8 Syllabus prepares students to adapt and contribute to the contemporary world. Students develop practical skills, using a range of technologies to transform creative ideas into sustainable, quality solutions and products.

Through the exploration of current and emerging technologies students learn how technology is used to address the needs of individuals, society and the environment.

The syllabus has been developed using evidence-based research.

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

The syllabus supports flexible content delivery, allowing technology projects to be created to suit students and schools. Practical skills are developed through design and production processes, using technologies to inspire and transform ideas.

Students learn to safely interact in online environments and apply their ingenuity when using and creating digital technologies.

The syllabus encourages schools to work with community organisations and local industry when developing technology projects.

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 provide a pathway for students with intellectual disability.

Life Skills content provides opportunities for students to connect with technologies used in everyday contexts and to use their knowledge and practical skills to develop projects. Life Skills explicitly addresses safety, collaboration and communication.

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.