Letter to Principals from Tom Alegounarias, President - Board of Studies, Teaching and Educational Standards:

In response to a number of inquiries from schools, I write to confirm that that there are no implications for the implementation of the new NSW syllabuses from the present review of the Australian curriculum by the Commonwealth Government.

Schools and teachers are to continue their implementation of the new NSW syllabuses on the existing schedule.

2014

• Kindergarten to Year 6 - English (Mathematics, Science & Technology optional)
• Years 7 and 9 - English, Mathematics, Science, History

2015

• Kindergarten to Year 6 - Mathematics, Science & Technology (History optional)
• Years 8 and 10 - English, Mathematics, Science, History

2016

• Kindergarten to Year 6 - History

While the new syllabuses incorporate Australian curriculum, the syllabuses were developed by BOSTES and finalised only after extensive consultation with the education sectors, schools, teachers, parents and the wider community. As part of the consultation, BOSTES took into consideration advice from schools and teachers on the implementation schedule itself to ensure classroom teachers had the resources and time to prepare their new teaching programs.

SENIOR SECONDARY SYLLABUSES - NO CHANGES

In relation to senior secondary syllabuses for English, Mathematics, Science and History, BOSTES is currently examining how Australian curriculum content can be effectively adapted and incorporated into the NSW senior secondary curriculum structure.

I can assure schools and teachers that any new syllabuses will be subject to the regular processes of consultation, development, and implementation by BOSTES.

FOR INFORMATION ON NEW NSW SYLLABUSES

Teachers and administrators from all school sectors should refer to communication and advice from BOSTES when planning their teaching programs based on BOSTES syllabuses. Relevant information on our syllabuses is announced in Official Notices and the weekly BOSTES Bulletin.

If you or any of your colleagues have questions about NSW syllabuses, please contact Mr Howard Kennedy, Director, Kindergarten to Initial Teacher Education (K-ITE) Curriculum and Assessment on +61 2 9367 8313.

Tom Alegounarias

President
14 February 2014