Curriculum
Science Curriculum & Learning Pathways
Our science programs follow the NSW curriculum, providing students with structured learning pathways that cover essential scientific concepts, develop scientific thinking and build confidence throughout their secondary school education.
From foundational science concepts in Years 7–8 to advanced HSC Biology in Years 11–12, our programs are designed to help students understand, apply and master the content required at every stage.
Stage 4
Stage 4 – Junior Science
Years 7–8Eight focus areas from the NSW Science 7–10 Syllabus (2023). Select any topic to see what students explore.
Year 7
Our proposed sequenceObserving the Universe
Explore the Solar System, celestial objects, astronomical observations and how scientific evidence helps us understand the Universe.
Forces
Understand different types of forces, their effects on objects, movement, interactions and applications in everyday life.
Cells and Classification
Explore cell structures, the differences between living organisms and how scientists classify organisms based on their characteristics.
Solutions and Mixtures
Understand substances, mixtures, solutions, solubility and techniques used to separate different substances.
Year 8
Our proposed sequenceLiving Systems
Investigate the structure and function of living systems, including how different components work together to maintain life.
Periodic Table and Atomic Structure
Explore atoms, elements, compounds, the structure of the periodic table and the properties of different elements.
Change
Investigate geological and chemical changes, including how energy influences changes in the natural world.
Data Science 1
Develop skills in collecting, interpreting and analysing scientific data and using data to model and predict scientific phenomena.
Stage 4 topics are delivered across Years 7 and 8. Topic sequencing may vary between schools. NESA sets these eight focus areas for Stage 4 as a whole. The Year 7 and Year 8 split shown here is our proposed teaching sequence, not a NESA requirement.
Stage 5
Stage 5 – Junior Science
Years 9–10Eight focus areas from the NSW Science 7–10 Syllabus (2023). Select any topic to see what students explore.
Year 9
Our proposed sequenceEnergy
Investigate different forms of energy, energy transformations, energy use and sustainable energy alternatives.
Disease
Explore the causes and transmission of diseases, how diseases affect the human body and scientific approaches to preventing and managing disease.
Materials
Understand the properties of different materials, their physical and chemical characteristics and how these influence their applications.
Environmental Sustainability
Explore the impact of human activity on the environment, ecological sustainability and scientific approaches to protecting natural systems.
Year 10
Our proposed sequenceGenetics and Evolutionary Change
Study DNA, inheritance, genetic variation, evolution, natural selection and modern genetic technologies.
Reactions
Understand different types of chemical reactions, how substances interact and the factors that influence reaction rates.
Waves and Motion
Explore different types of waves, their properties and applications, as well as motion and Newton's laws of motion.
Data Science 2
Develop the ability to evaluate scientific information, interpret data, assess evidence and make informed decisions based on scientific knowledge.
Stage 5 topics are delivered across Years 9 and 10. Topic sequencing may vary between schools. Together, these eight focus areas make up the Stage 5 curriculum. The Year 9 and Year 10 split shown here is our proposed teaching sequence, not a NESA requirement.
Stage 6
Stage 6 – Senior Biology
Years 11–12 | Preliminary Biology and HSC BiologySeven focus areas from the new NSW Biology 11–12 Syllabus (2025). Select any topic to see what students explore.
Year 11
New syllabus from 2027Cells as the Basis of Life
Explore cell structure and function, cell processes, the characteristics of living things and how cells maintain life.
Cells to Systems
Understand how cells are organised into tissues, organs and organ systems, and how these systems work together to maintain the functioning of organisms.
Evolution and Ecosystems
Investigate evolution, natural selection, ecological relationships, ecosystem dynamics and the interactions between living organisms and their environments.
Year 12
New syllabus from Term 4, 2027Heredity
Explore DNA, genes, chromosomes, inheritance, genetic variation and how characteristics are passed between generations.
Diseases
Investigate infectious and non-infectious diseases, their causes, transmission, prevention and management.
Biodiversity
Explore biological diversity, classification, ecological relationships, conservation and the importance of maintaining biodiversity.
Biotechnology
Understand how biological knowledge and technology are applied in areas such as genetic engineering, medical research, agriculture and biotechnology.
Syllabus transition: 2027
Year 11 students start the new Biology 11–12 Syllabus (2025) in Term 1, 2027. Year 12 students move to the new syllabus from Term 4, 2027, ready for the first new HSC exam in 2028.
Students sitting the 2027 HSC continue with the Biology Stage 6 Syllabus (2017): Module 5 Heredity, Module 6 Genetic Change, Module 7 Infectious Disease and Module 8 Non-infectious Disease and Disorders. We always teach each student the syllabus they’ll be examined on.
Working scientifically
Developing Scientific Thinking & Investigation Skills
Science is more than memorising concepts. Students must develop the ability to investigate, analyse evidence, solve problems and communicate scientific ideas.
Scientific observation
Noticing patterns and details, and recording what they see accurately.
Questioning and predicting
Asking questions that can be tested and making reasoned predictions.
Planning investigations
Designing fair tests, choosing variables and thinking about safety.
Conducting experiments
Following methods carefully and collecting reliable results.
Processing and interpreting data
Organising results into tables and graphs and spotting trends.
Analysing evidence
Judging how strong the evidence is and drawing valid conclusions.
Scientific problem-solving
Applying scientific ideas to explain and solve unfamiliar problems.
Communicating scientific findings
Explaining ideas clearly using scientific language, the way exams expect.
Developed throughout every program: Stage 4 ScienceStage 5 ScienceStage 6 Biology
How we teach it
A Structured Approach to Science Learning
Our tutoring programs are designed to help students develop a strong understanding of the NSW Science curriculum.
We work through syllabus content systematically, breaking down complex scientific concepts into manageable lessons.
Whether students are building their foundational knowledge in Junior Science or preparing for the HSC Biology examinations, our programs provide structured learning, guided practice and personalised support.
With small-group classes capped at five students, we aim to give every student the attention and guidance they need to progress with confidence.
Explore Our Classes- Every NESA focus area, taught topic by topic
- Small online classes of no more than 5 students
- Notes, practice questions and practice exams for every topic
- Taught by a qualified NSW teacher
