New Year 11-12 Science syllabuses build skills for the real world

The new Science syllabuses emphasise the core concepts of the scientific disciplines and provide students with valuable opportunities to connect their learning to real-world applications. These changes respond to feedback from teachers who asked for greater clarity and the consolidation of content.

Other changes to the Science syllabuses include: 

• Essential content has been clarified to make the expected knowledge, understanding and skills explicit. Content has been consolidated into 7 focus areas in each discipline, compared to 8 in the current syllabuses.
• Scientific investigations and depth studies provide opportunities for students to deepen their scientific understanding of the course concepts in each discipline and apply their knowledge to a range of contexts.
• For the first time there is a dedicated Life Skills 11–12 syllabus aligned to each of the disciplines. Previously, content related to each science discipline was a part of a stream within the Science Life Skills Stage 6 Syllabus. The new Life Skills syllabuses include opportunities for students to apply learning in an area of personal or local interest or relevance through in-context focus areas.
• The integration of authentic and relevant opportunities for students to learn about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ scientific Knowledge and Practices.

The Physics and Biology syllabuses will be taught in schools from 2027 and examined for the HSC in 2028. Chemistry and Earth and Environmental Sciences will be taught from 2028 and examined in 2029.

Alongside the new syllabuses, NESA is releasing advice to support teachers in preparing to teach the new syllabuses.

Visit NSW Curriculum to access the new syllabus and support materials. 

NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) CEO Paul Martin said:

“I am delighted to announce the release of the new Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Environmental Science and Physics 11-12 syllabuses.

“Science is a cornerstone for future progress and development – it provides the knowledge and tools to address challenges across all aspects of society. The new syllabuses will support students to understand the natural world, consider technological and medical innovations, and grapple with the big issues that will enhance our lives.

“The new syllabuses emphasise the importance of the practical application of scientific knowledge and skills through scientific investigations, allowing students to learn a range of scientific concepts which will support them to access a variety of future pathways.

“As is the case with all our syllabus reform work – these syllabuses are based on research and evidence to support students and teachers in achieving the best outcomes.

“I want to thank our fantastic teachers and the broader community for their positive response to these new syllabuses and their invaluable contribution in helping us in their development.”