STANSW Syllabus Working Group unpacks the new 7-10 syllabus updates: Commentary and insights
STANSW is pleased to bring you updates on the implementation of the new 7-10 Science syllabus as well as news regarding professional development and resource development. With our Syllabus Working Group now on the job, we’ve been able to hear from NESA representatives and have cross-sectoral discussions, showing a positive response to the syllabus itself. It must be acknowledged, however, that the new 7-10 syllabus is a significant change from the current syllabus, including increased breadth and depth of knowledge and understanding; a prescribed focus on data science; expanded (to include observing) Working Scientifically skills; and addition of Depth Studies. As teachers across NSW now begin the process of preparing for implementation, great care needs to be taken to ensure this challenging transition proceeds smoothly for our students and teachers. Here’s what we currently understand:
- When to implement the new syllabus
Each of the sectors is providing advice about how to implement the syllabus in their schools. NESA asks teachers to follow this advice and understand the published implementation timeline for curriculum reform in Stage 6. While NSW Department of Education Schools have been advised to commence a staged (Years 7 and 9, then Years 8 and 10) implementation in 2026, it would be wise for other schools to also stage implementation commencing 2025 to line up with Stage 6 implementation of Biology and Physics (Link to implementation timelines). This means that planning and preparation should begin as soon as possible.
- How to implement the new syllabus
The Focus Areas are intended to be implemented in order and without rearrangement. NESA says that content has been designed with learning progressions and skill development in mind but there are also benefits with this approach for students who change schools. The Data Science Focus Areas in Stage 4 and Stage 5 can be treated differently by contextualising them with another module or by creating a new context for them.
- Resources for the new syllabus
NESA has already provided resources within the syllabus and accessible on the NSW Curriculum website (Link to NSW Curriculum website). These include a glossary, teaching advice for each module, Aboriginal perspectives teaching and learning support, sample Scope and Sequences, Data Book and Data Book Guide, mapping grid of Working Scientifically outcomes (Link to WS mapping grids) and examples for some content statements in the syllabus. More are to follow.
Our Syllabus Working Group will be busy in Term 2 looking at programming templates and timelines that could assist teachers, Leaders of Learning and Head Teachers in the absence of a Program Builder. We will also be identifying the most urgently needed resources that are not provided by NESA and working with our professional development committees to bring you the PD you need.
Questions
Contact our Syllabus Working Group:[email protected]