New Dance and Dance Life Skills 11–12 syllabuses

The new Dance 11–12 and Dance Life Skills 11–12 syllabuses are now available on the NSW Curriculum website.

Schools can plan and prepare to teach the new Dance 11–12 and Dance Life Skills 11–12 syllabuses from 2025. The new syllabuses will be implemented in NSW schools in 2027. Dance 11–12 will be examined in the HSC for the first time in 2028.

Key features:

• The new Dance 11–12 and Dance Life Skills 11–12 syllabuses make clear the knowledge, understanding and skills central to the study of dance – Performance, Choreography and Appreciation.
• The syllabuses have been structured to provide students with an in-depth and authentic study of dance enabling students to develop skills in self-expression, communication, critical and creative thinking, and collaboration through dance.
• The syllabuses will provide students with an engaging, comprehensive and balanced education in dance and a greater understanding and appreciation of dance in artistic, cultural, social and personal contexts.
• New content includes Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples' Histories and Cultures, through exploration of the Cultural significance and protocols of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dance and creates clear alignment with and progression from the Dance 7–10 Syllabus (2023).
• The Dance Life Skills 11–12 Syllabus includes opportunities for students to learn about health and safety through understanding personal space, body movements, consent and practising social skills, collaboration and communication.

Schools have access to support materials including teaching advice on the NSW Curriculum website to assist with implementation. More resources will be made available over time.