Curriculum development

The NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) is responsible for developing syllabuses to be taught in New South Wales schools from Kindergarten through to Year 12. NESA is also responsible for the endorsement of courses not developed by NESA, including VET and school and university developed courses, and equivalent and alternative courses of study in schools.

NESA is committed to a syllabus development process that provides opportunities for consultation, produces quality syllabuses and contributes to high standards of teaching and learning.

NSW Curriculum Reform

NESA is working with teachers and other stakeholders to reform the K–12 curriculum.

Reforms follow the NSW Government's response to the NSW Curriculum Review, and will support children and young people to develop strong foundations for learning, life and work in a complex and fast-changing world.

In the meantime, schools should implement approved syllabuses.

Syllabus development

The syllabus development process, using a project management approach, involves four phases: syllabus review, writing brief development, syllabus development, and implementation.

Read more about the syllabus development process.

School Developed Board Endorsed Courses

A School Developed Board Endorsed Course (SDBEC) is any course not developed by NESA that is submitted to us for endorsement in Stage 5 for RoSA or in Stage 6 as Preliminary or HSC units. SDBECs may be endorsed for a maximum of 4 years.

See the guidelines for SDBEC course proposals.

VET Board Endorsed Courses

Schools/colleges wishing to offer an Australian Qualifications Framework VET qualification for Stage 6 which has not yet been endorsed need to apply for endorsement of a course.

See the guidelines for Stage 5 and 6 Board Endorsed VET courses.

University Developed Board Endorsed Course

University Developed Board Endorsed Courses (UDBECs) provide the opportunity to extend the HSC curriculum in areas not covered by Board Developed Courses or other types of Board Endorsed Courses. UDBECs are intended for a university to form a relationship with local schools and develop a customised course to meet the needs of the students in these schools.

See guidelines for UDBECs course proposals

Equivalent and Alternative Courses of Study

For the significant majority of students the most appropriate pathway is to remain at school to complete Year 10. However, for a very small number of students exceptional circumstances may require them to access flexible options.

See the guidelines for Equivalent and Alternative Courses of Study.