PagineNew South Wales Curriculum Guide & Practice Tests
NSW teaches its own syllabuses, written by NESA and based on the Australian Curriculum. New K–10 syllabuses for English and Mathematics are already in place, with other subjects being renewed over the coming years. History and Geography are separate subjects, and Science and Technology is taught from K–6.
- 13 levels
- 270 practice tests
- 3 exam guides
Choose a level
Exams and tests
| Exam | Subjects | When | Counts? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Higher School Certificate (HSC) | English plus chosen courses (Mathematics Advanced, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Modern History and many more) | Written exams October–November of Year 12 | Required for the HSC; most students also receive an ATAR. |
| Opportunity Class and Selective High School Placement Tests | Reading, mathematical reasoning and thinking skills (plus writing for Selective) | OC test in Year 4; Selective test in Year 6 | Used with other information to place students in OC classes (Years 5–6) and selective high schools (from Year 7). |
| NAPLAN | Reading, writing, conventions of language (spelling, grammar, punctuation) and numeracy | March (2026: 11–23 March), online | Does not count toward school reports; results go to families and schools. |
How school is organized
Kindergarten, Years 1–6 (primary) and Years 7–12 (secondary). Stage 6 (Years 11–12) leads to the Higher School Certificate (HSC).
Finishing school: The HSC requires at least 12 units of Preliminary (Year 11) and 10 units of HSC (Year 12) courses, including 2 units of English, and the HSC minimum standard in reading, writing and numeracy.
Official curriculum: NSW syllabuses (NESA)
Other state or territorys
Frequently asked questions
What curriculum does New South Wales use?
NSW teaches its own syllabuses, written by NESA and based on the Australian Curriculum. New K–10 syllabuses for English and Mathematics are already in place, with other subjects being renewed over the coming years. History and Geography are separate subjects, and Science and Technology is taught from K–6.
How are school years organized in New South Wales?
Kindergarten, Years 1–6 (primary) and Years 7–12 (secondary). Stage 6 (Years 11–12) leads to the Higher School Certificate (HSC).
What is needed to finish school?
The HSC requires at least 12 units of Preliminary (Year 11) and 10 units of HSC (Year 12) courses, including 2 units of English, and the HSC minimum standard in reading, writing and numeracy.
Which exams do students take in New South Wales?
Higher School Certificate (HSC); Opportunity Class and Selective High School Placement Tests; NAPLAN.