Chemistry 11–12 (2025): Unpacking, Planning and Teaching the New Syllabus

Facilitator: Rebecca Collett, STANSW Teacher Fellow  
Date and time: Wednesday 4 November 2026, 2pm – 5pm 
Duration: Three-hour stand-alone professional learning workshop 
Mode of Delivery: Live online, via Zoom 
Audience: Stage 6 Chemistry teachers, faculty leaders and early-career teachers 

Course Rationale 

The Chemistry 11–12 Syllabus (2025) introduces significant structural, content and assessment changes to Stage 6 Chemistry in NSW, with implementation beginning in 2028 and the first HSC examination in 2029. The revision, as described by NESA, centres on six key principles:

• a streamlined structure with peripheral content removed
• related content clustered into groups aligned with outcomes
• increased opportunities to apply scientific concepts to real-world situations
• clearer and less ambiguous language
• more equitable and accessible practical investigations in each content group
• strengthened Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander content.

Feedback from science teachers through recent STANSW surveys confirms strong demand for practical support in navigating these changes. Teachers have identified understanding the changes in the new syllabus, accessing example programs, integrating Working Scientifically skills, incorporating new content and data science, and guidance on depth study design as their highest priorities. Teachers also value support with programming and scope-and-sequence design, and tools for sourcing and developing quality teaching resources.

This workshop responds directly to that feedback, addressing the key changes from the Chemistry Stage 6 Syllabus (2017) to the Chemistry 11–12 Syllabus (2025), and supporting teachers to plan, program and develop resources with confidence.

Course Overview 

This three-hour workshop provides Chemistry teachers with a practical and structured introduction to the Chemistry 11–12 Syllabus (2025). The new syllabus replaces the Chemistry Stage 6 Syllabus (2017) from 2028, with the first HSC examination in 2029. Participants will examine the key structural, content and assessment changes between the two syllabuses. These include the reorganisation of content from 8 modules into 7 focus areas, changes to Working Scientifically outcomes and content, and revised depth study requirements. The mandatory assessment weighting of 60% Working Scientifically skills and 40% Knowledge and Understanding, the removal and addition of specific chemistry content, and the strengthened integration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives as explicit content points will also be addressed.

Drawing on NESA support materials, including sample scope and sequences and sample assessment schedules, participants will discuss program development. They will develop practical strategies for reviewing and adapting existing teaching programs to meet the requirements of the new syllabus. Through engagement with sample teaching and learning activities, participants will also explore approaches to designing and adapting syllabus-aligned student learning resources. Participants will leave with the tools and examples needed to begin planning, programming and resource development with confidence.

Learning Intentions

By the end of this three-hour workshop, participants will:

1. Identify and compare the key structural and content changes between the Chemistry Stage 6 Syllabus (2017) and Chemistry 11–12 (2025), including changes to Working Scientifically, assessment requirements, and the integration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives.
2. Analyse the new and revised chemistry content in the 2025 syllabus and locate relevant external resources aligned to specific syllabus content points.
3. Evaluate sample scope and sequence frameworks and adapt them to reflect the structure and requirements of the 2025 syllabus.
4. Design or modify at least one teaching and learning activity that integrates Working Scientifically outcomes with chemistry content from the 2025 syllabus.
5. Apply the 2025 depth study requirements to identify suitable depth study opportunities within the Year 11 focus areas.

Registration Closes: Tuesday 27 October 2026
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