Easing the transition to the new Science 7-10 Syllabus with the STANSW programming template.
The STANSW 7-10 Syllabus Working Group has the task of ensuring a “smooth and effective implementation process across NSW schools”. The recent release of our programming template should help to achieve this, as well as help teachers refresh their programming practices.
NESA supports teachers with advice on programming compliance and Evidence-based Practices for Planning and Programming. The Syllabus Working Group shares this view that programming is a “process of selecting and sequencing learning experiences”, “taught in manageable chunks”, “introducing content from simple to more complex”. Taking the content from each focus area, the learning sequence in the programming template is developed under a series of focus questions. Teachers can be prompted to take students from where they have demonstrated competence to a point where they are assessed for mastery of new learning, in chunks of increasing depth of understanding and breadth of application.
The new Science 7-10 Syllabus is rich in prescribed content; therefore, time-consuming processes where different syllabus components are integrated, contextualised and mapped, are no longer necessary. Programming can now be focused on student learning and guiding teachers to use effective pedagogy. The most engaging learning activities and strategies can be found while teachers collaborate during programming. Depth Studies, Data Science and excursions can introduce local contexts. Then, with programs that provide prompts for their practice, teachers should feel confident to adjust and differentiate their teaching for the students in their classes.
Using insights from the Syllabus Working Group, a guide for faculty leaders, Key Steps to Implementation, was also recently released. This checklist of actions should ease the transition to the new Science 7-10 Syllabus, particularly for less experienced faculty leaders and teams in all education sectors.
There is still time to be ready to start teaching the new syllabus next year. Download the programming template from our website, modify it to suit your needs and follow the key steps to implementation.
Download the resources here (click each resource below)
Key Steps to Implementation of the new Years 7-10 Syllabus
Program Template
Program Template with explanations
Become a member for access to more resources, professional development opportunities and network meetings to collaborate with fellow science teachers.