New History 11–12 syllabuses

New History 11–12 syllabuses are now available on the NSW Curriculum website:

• Ancient History 11–12
• Ancient History Life Skills 11–12
• History Extension 11–12
• Modern History 11–12
• Modern History Life Skills 11–12

2025 and 2026

• Plan and prepare to teach the new syllabuses.

2026, Term 4 

• Start teaching new History Extension 11–12 Syllabus for Year 12
• Start implementing new Year 12 school-based assessment requirements.

2027, Term 1

• Start teaching new syllabuses for Year 11
• Start implementing new Year 11 school-based assessment requirements 
• Continue to teach for Year 12:
  • Ancient History Stage 6 Syllabus (2017)
  • Ancient History Life Skills Stage 6 Syllabus (2017)
  • Modern History Stage 6 Syllabus (2017)
  • Modern History Life Skills Stage 6 Syllabus (2017).

2027, Term 4

• Start teaching new syllabuses for Year 12
• Start implementing new Year 12 school-based assessment requirements 2027
• First HSC examination for new History Extension 11–12 Syllabus (2024).

2028

• First HSC examination for new syllabuses:
  • Ancient History 11–12 Syllabus (2024)
  • Modern History 11–12 Syllabus (2024).

Key features

• The NSW Government has delivered new History syllabuses for Years 11 and 12 as part of the NSW Curriculum Reform program.
• Under the NSW Government’s revised Curriculum Reform timeline, teachers will have more than two years to get to know these new syllabuses before teaching them from 2026.
• More clearly defined content across the new History 11–12 syllabuses will streamline teacher planning and allow students to better access rich learning opportunities at school and during their pathways after school.
• Students gain knowledge and understanding of the forces that have shaped the contemporary world, enabling them to become informed global citizens.
• New evidence-based support materials, including teaching advice, will be available on the NSW Curriculum website to assist schools and teachers in implementing the new syllabuses.

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 as well as online, accredited professional development on NESA’s online learning hub.