New South Wales: Curriculum Connections

Science Years 7-10 Syllabus

You can download the NSW Science Curriculum (pdf, 225 kB) from the NSW Board of Studies.

Stage 4 Outcomes

A student:

• Identifies choices made by people with regard to scientific developments
• Evaluates the relevance of data and information
• With guidance presents information to an audience to achieve a particular purpose
• Uses an identified strategy to solve problems

Stage 5 Outcomes

A student:

• Evaluates the impacts of applications of science on society and the environment
• Discusses evidence supporting different viewpoints
• Analyses how current research might affect people’s lives
• Analyses the impact of human resource use on the biosphere to evaluate methods of conserving, protecting and maintaining Earth’s resources
• Selects and uses appropriate forms of communication to present information to an audience

Values and Attitudes

Acknowledges their responsibilities to conserve, protect, and maintain the environment for the future

Essential Content

• Students learn about current issues, research and developments in science
• Natural events – explain some impacts of natural events including cyclones, volcanic eruptions and earth quakes on the atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere and/or biosphere
• Waste from resource use – identify excessive use of fossil fuels as a contributing factor to a greenhouse effect
• A student selects and uses appropriate forms of communication to present information to an audience.

Geography Years 7-10 Syllabus

You can download the NSW Geography Curriculum (pdf, 889 kB) from the NSW Board of Studies.

Mandatory Outcomes

Students will develop skills in acquiring, processing and communicating geographic information

(Stage 4) A student:

• Identifies and gathers geographical information
• Organises and interprets geographical information
• Uses a range of written, oral and graphic forms to communicate geographical information
• Describes the interrelationships between people and environments

(Stage 5) A student:

• Identifies, gathers and evaluates geographical information
• Analyses, organises and synthesises geographical information
• Selects and uses appropriate written, oral and graphic forms to communicate geographical information
• Applies geographical knowledge, understanding and skills with knowledge of civics to demonstrate informed and active citizenship

Investigating the World

Students learn to:

• Apply key geographical questions to a local environment
• Present geographical information about the local environment using a range of written, oral and graphic forms

Global Environments

Students learn about:

• The way humans, including indigenous groups, interact with the environment

Students learn to:

• Describe the interaction of humans with the environment
• Explain how individuals, community organisations and government actions are contributing to the current management of the environment
• Describe current use of the environment and suggest strategies for future ecological sustainability

Global Change

Students learn to:

• Explain the link between resource use and sustainability
• Discuss methods used by groups to influence the global community

Global Issues and Citizenship

Students learn about:

• Global geographical issues, which must include: access to fresh water, climate change, energy use, human rights, indigenous people and self determination, land degradation, threatened habitats, tourism, urbanisation, use of ocean resources

For at least 2 of the above issues students must learn:

• The nature of the issue
• The actions of individuals, groups and governments

Students learn to:

• Recognise global geographical issues
• Describe the nature of global geographical issue
• Explain the links between human actions and the consequences for ecological sustainability on a global scale
• Describe the actions of individuals, groups and governments in relation to the issue
• Communicate appropriately with organisations to participate as a global citizen

Investigating Australia’s environment

Students learn about:

Physical characteristics that make Australia unique

• Patterns of climate, weather, natural resources, vegetation
• Natural hazards in Australia including, bushfires, drought, earthquakes, floods, storms, tropical cyclones

For at least one of the nature hazards above students must learn about:

• the responsibility and responses of individuals, groups and various levels of government to the impact of the natural hazard

Students learn to:

• explain the interrelationships that exist in the physical environment of Australia
• describe the range of natural hazards in Australia and their consequences
• describe the geographical processes associated with the natural hazard
• describe the economic, environmental and social impacts of the natural hazard in Australia
• investigate responses of individuals community-based groups and different levels of government to the hazard

Geography Electives

Physical Geography

Students learn about:

• climate change

Students learn to:

• examine issues resulting from climate change

School Development Option

Students learn to communicate findings using appropriate written, graphic and oral forms using a variety of information and communication technologies

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