Useful information for parents
There are many items on this web site of particular interest to parents. They are sometimes a little difficult to locate as the number of pages of information here reaches into the thousands. This page is designed to assist you by providing direct links to the most recent and relevant ones.

- Parents Guide to the NSW Primary Syllabuses
- For parents of young children (Primary years)
- For parents of teenage children (Years 7–10)
- For parents of teenage children (Higher School Certificate)
- Parents Associations
- Home schooling in NSW
Parents Guide to the NSW Primary Syllabuses

The Board of Studies, Teaching and Educational Standards NSW has provided NSW schools with copies of the Parents Guide to the NSW Primary Syllabuses for distribution to parents.
The Parents Guide has been developed to help parents follow their child’s early learning and to help them talk with teachers about day-to-day classroom activities and their child’s progress.
The Guide provides some examples of the kinds of things children can learn in each of the key learning areas in each stage of primary school.
For parents of young children (Primary years)
Board of Studies NSW – K–6 Educational Resources
If you have children in Primary School, you will find all of the useful documents listed here. Some of the most relevant are:
An Overview of the Primary Curriculum
This booklet has been written for both teachers and interested members of the community. It provides an overview of the primary curriculum in NSW that has been and is being developed by the Board of Studies NSW.

Parent information on supporting your child’s learning

K–6 English
The syllabus, sample units of work, a Principal’s package and related information is available from the K–6 Educational Resources website.
The Parents Guide introduces the English syllabus to parents and school community members.

K–6 Human Society and its Environment (HSIE) – Information for Parents
A two page document explaining the K–6 Human Society and its Environment (HSIE) syllabus which is available on the K–6 Educational Resources website in the following languages:
K–6 Human Society and its Environment (HSIE)
The syllabus, sample units of work, a Principal’s package and related information is available from the K–6 Educational Resources website.
The Parents Guide introducing the HSIE syllabus to parents and school community members.
Buy parent's guides
Help your child learn to read, write, do maths and understand grammar with these useful guides.
For parents of teenage children (Years 7–10)
If you have children in years 7–10, you will find all of the useful documents listed here. Some of the most relevant are:
Studying for the NSW Higher School Certificate
- Studying for the NSW HSC
- Published August 2012
- This guide is for Year 10 students and anyone planning their Year 11 and Year 12 studies. The information contained in this guide is accurate at the time of publication. Schools will be notified of any changes to the rules and requirements.
- Past School Certificate Test Papers and related documents for:
- English-literacy
- Mathematics
- Science
- Australian History, Geography, Civics and Citizenship
- Years 7–10 Syllabuses and Support Documents
- Buy Year 7-10 Syllabuses from the BOSTES shop
- The Record of School Achievement
For parents of teenage children (Higher School Certificate)
- The Board of Studies has a program to help students with practical support in their Higher School Certificate examinations. This practical support, known as provisions, assists students to read examination questions and to write their answers. Provisions include rest breaks and extra time. The use of any provision is not written on the student’s results.
Support for Higher School Certificate Examinations
Information for Students and Parents
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HSC rules and procedures
- Issued to HSC students, the HSC Rules and Procedures guide outlines the rules and procedures for the Higher School Certificate, available on Students Online.
Studying for the NSW Higher School Certificate
- Studying for the NSW HSC
- Published August 2012
- This guide is for Year 10 students and anyone planning their Year 11 and Year 12 studies. The information contained in this guide is accurate at the time of publication. Schools will be notified of any changes to the rules and requirements.
- Past Higher School Certificate Examination Papers and Notes from the Examination Centre
- HSC Syllabuses, Support Documents and Specimen Papers
- HSC Resources and Textbooks
- provides a subject-by-subject guide to resources and textbooks that are available.
- Buy HSC products from the BOSTES shop
Essential planning documents for Higher School Certificate studies include:
Parents Associations
If you have children in school, you will find a listing of all of the useful Parents Associations.
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