6. Readings
Curriculum in NSW schools
2.1 Overview of curriculum
2.2 An outcomes approach to teaching and learning
2.3 Assessment and reporting within an outcomes
approach to the curriculum
Overseas Trained Teachers
41
6. Readings – Curriculum in NSW schools
2.1 Overview of curriculum
The curriculum offered in NSW public schools is based on the syllabuses developed by the
Board of Studies, and the policies and practices of DEC. You are expected to become familiar
with all aspects of curriculum that relate to the students you are teaching.
The K–10 curriculum is organised into broad groupings of subjects referred to as Key Learning
Areas (KLAs). The KLAs are:
Kindergarten to Year 6
Years 7 to 10
• English
• English
• Mathematics
• Mathematics
• Science and Technology
• Science
• Human Society and its Environment
(HSIE)
• Human Society and its Environment
(HSIE)
• Personal Development, Health and
Physical Education (PDHPE)
• Personal Development, Health and
Physical Education (PDHPE)
• Creative Arts
• Technological and Applied Studies (TAS)
• Languages other than English (LOTE)
• Creative Arts
In Years 11–12 students undertake a pattern of study to be eligible for a Higher School
Certificate.
Specific syllabuses cover the courses to be undertaken by students during the six stages of
schooling. These stages are:
Primary schools
High schools
•
Early Stage 1 (Kindergarten)
•
Stage 4 (Years 7-8)
•
Stage 1 (Years 1-2)
•
Stage 5 (Years 9-10)
•
Stage 2 (Years 3-4)
•
Stage 6 (Years 11 to 12).
•
Stage 3 (Years 5-6)
There is one syllabus for each KLA at primary school level that includes the stages from Early
Stage 1 to Stage 3. Each of the subjects within Years 7–10 KLAs has its own set of syllabuses
that cater for the various courses of study available for Stage 4 and Stage 5 students. For
example, in the secondary KLA, Technological and Applied Studies, syllabuses include Stages 4 –5
Design and Technology (mandatory course), Stage 5 Food Technology (elective course) and
Stage 5 Design and Technology (elective course). There are separate Stage 6 syllabuses for
students in Years 11–12.
Primary teachers are expected to become familiar with all syllabuses relevant to the primary
curriculum. Secondary teachers are expected to know the syllabus for the subjects they have
approval to teach, and to be aware of other syllabuses that relate to the KLA(s) in which they
are working.
42
Overseas Trained Teachers
6. Readings – Curriculum in NSW schools
The Board of Studies has the statutory responsibility for developing syllabuses and support
documents, and copies are available from the Board's website (www.boardofstudies.nsw.edu.au).
Most schools will have print copies. It is important to ensure the documents you intend to use
are the latest versions.
Schools hold print copies of DEC documents that outline policies, procedures and priorities
that schools must incorporate into the curriculum. Some of these will affect your teaching
practice. Policies, procedures and priorities address areas such as:
• Aboriginal education
• homework
• anti-racism and grievance procedures
• literacy
• career education
• multicultural education
• child protection
• numeracy
• drug education
• pedagogy
• environmental education
• student welfare
• gender equity
• technology
• good discipline and effective learning
• vocational education and training
Some are available from the DEC website at www.det.nsw.edu.au
Guide to the Board of Studies website
The Board of Studies publishes syllabus documents for all schools in NSW. From the home
page www.boardofstudies.nsw.edu.au you can locate and download almost all syllabus
documents. You can also read these online.
If you are a primary teacher, follow the K–6 Resources link. It will take you to all primary
information. Check the document Overview of the Primary Curriculum.
If you are a secondary teacher, follow the links to School Certificate for syllabuses for Years
7–10. Follow the link HSC Syllabuses for Years 11–12. You can download full documents or
parts of documents from the site using the program Adobe Acrobat. Information about this
is available on the site. Syllabuses can also be purchased. Follow the link Shop Online.
You will need to read and become familiar with one syllabus during your school placement.
For primary teachers, English K– 6 or Mathematics K– 6 is suggested. For secondary teachers,
choose a syllabus for Years 7–10 and for Years 11–12 from your subject area.
Overseas Trained Teachers
43