Curriculum News

NSW’s New Primary School Curriculum Coming in 2027

The NSW Government has announced a major update to the primary school curriculum, marking the most significant changes in more than 30 years. The new syllabuses aim to give children a stronger foundation in essential knowledge, provide clearer guidance for teachers, and ensure learning is carefully sequenced across all subjects. 

What’s Changing?

1. A More Integrated and Connected Curriculum

For the first time in 50 years, all primary syllabuses have been developed at the same time. This means subjects now link more clearly with each other so students can apply their learning across multiple areas. For example, concepts taught in Mathematics such as graphs will also be used in Geography and Science to deepen understanding. 

2. New Combined Subject: HSIE

The traditional subjects of History and Geography will be replaced by a new integrated subject: Human Society and Its Environment (HSIE). HSIE will explore historical and geographical concepts at local, national and global levels and will also include Civics and Citizenship, covering democratic roles, voting and Australia’s political history. 

3. Focus on Explicit Teaching

A key feature of the new curriculum is a shift toward explicit teaching, providing teachers with clear, detailed content about what students need to know and when. This approach aims to reduce clutter, improve clarity and help teachers better support individual student needs. 

4. Updated Content Across Learning Areas

Several learning areas have been refreshed to include modern, evidence-based content:

• Science and Technology: Updated to offer clearer sequencing and ensure students build robust scientific understanding and inquiry skills.

• Creative Arts: This area has received its first major update in 24 years, offering clearer guidelines to support student creativity and skill development.

• Digital Wellbeing: For the first time, students will learn about healthy digital habits, balancing screen time with outdoor play and safe use of online services. 

5. Stronger Foundations in Maths and English

Updated English and Mathematics syllabuses now already in schools form the backbone of the new curriculum, ensuring students build essential literacy and numeracy skills early and clearly.

Why These Changes Matter

The curriculum has been shaped through extensive consultation with teachers, parents and education experts. It is evidence based, clear and knowledge rich, with the aim of improving student outcomes, supporting teachers and preparing NSW students for a fast changing world.

How Teachers Will Be Working Collaboratively to Prepare

The staff at St Aidan's will work together throughout 2026 to analyse the new syllabuses and plan cohesive teaching programs in preparation for implementation in 2027. 

With you in Faith and Education,

Mrs Kim O'Kane

Instructional Specialist