NSW Syllabus for the Australian Curriculum Biology Stage 6 Syllabus

NSW Syllabus for the Australian Curriculum Biology Stage 6 Syllabus

Document Overview

  • Original Publication: March 2017
  • Updates: Multiple updates from June 2017 to January 2018
  • Copyright: © 2017 NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA)
  • Availability: Only up-to-date versions available on the NESA website.

Legal Notice and Copyright Information

  • Any reproduction or modification of the material requires prior written permission from NESA.
  • Potential penalties for unauthorized use of materials or third-party copyright material.

Contents

  • Detailed references to sections including:
    • Introduction
    • Biology Key
    • Rationale
    • Course Structures
    • Assessment
    • Content & Module Breakdown
    • Glossary of Terms

Introduction to Stage 6 Curriculum

  • Purpose: Develop literacy and numeracy, facilitate completion of secondary education, promote personal development, and prepare for future citizenship and workforce engagement.
  • Key Features:
    • Fostering independent learning and problem-solving abilities.
    • Cultivating respect for diversity in Australian society.
    • Preparing for academic and vocational pathways, including STEM.
    • Continuous learning and development of self-respect.
  • Alignment with Guidelines: Reflects NESA K–10 Curriculum Framework and principles of equity, emphasizing academic and social development.

Diversity of Learners

Inclusivity in Learning
  • Student Diversity: NESA acknowledges various learning needs including special education, gifted and talented students, and EAL/D (English as an Additional Language or Dialect) learners.
Support for Diverse Learning Needs

  1. Students with Special Education Needs:

    • Access to curriculum adjusted per individual requirements.
    • Collaborate with parents and professionals for tailored educational pathways.

  2. Gifted and Talented Students:

    • Adapted curriculum pace to meet accelerated learning needs.
    • Differentiate educational opportunities.

  3. EAL/D Students:

    • Tailored instruction addressing language acquisition.
    • Importance of contextual learning and diverse cultural backgrounds.

Biology Stage 6 Syllabus

Key Components

Outcome Codes
  • Coding Structure: Consistent and structured outcome codes, denoting the subject matter, year, and specific outcomes.
    • Format: BIO (Biology), Year, Outcome Number (e.g., BIO11-8).
Curriculum Content Identifications
  • Australian Curriculum References: Each content description includes a code to link to the Australian Curriculum content (e.g., ACSBL003).
Learning Icons and Cross-Curriculum Priorities
  • Implemented Icons: Represent critical and creative thinking, sustainability, ethical understanding, and intercultural understanding.

Course Development and Focus Areas

Rationale and Aim of the Biology Stage 6 Syllabus
  • Focus: Explore life diversity at molecular and systems levels, study interactions among organisms, and address sustainability and health issues.
  • Skills Development: Students engage in scientific processes and investigations to support logical reasoning and environmental stewardship.
  • Interdisciplinary Approach: Includes collaboration among various scientific fields enhancing problem-solving and investigative skills.

Objectives of the Curriculum

Skills Development
  • Practical skills in applying Working Scientifically processes.
Knowledge and Understanding
  • Year 11 learners:
    • Understand cellular structures, function, and biodiversity.
  • Year 12 learners:
    • Focus on genetics, heredity, disease, and technological impacts.
Values and Attitudes
  • Promoting informed attitudes toward biological science emphasizing societal impacts and scientific creativity.

Course Structure

Year 11 and Year 12 Breakdown

Year 11 Structure (120 hours)
  • Modules:
    • Module 1: Cells as the Basis of Life
    • Module 2: Organisation of Living Things
    • Module 3: Biological Diversity
    • Module 4: Ecosystem Dynamics
  • Each module contributes to building foundational knowledge and skills.
  • Practical components emphasize laboratory and field investigations.
Year 12 Structure (120 hours)
  • Modules:
    • Module 5: Heredity
    • Module 6: Genetic Change
    • Module 7: Infectious Disease
    • Module 8: Non-infectious Disease and Disorders
  • Similar focus on experimental and analytical components with real-world applicability.

Assessment and Reporting

  • Detailed assessment strategies, including school-based assessments, mandatory components, and HSC examination specifications available through NESA.

Content Overview

Integration of Working Scientifically Skills

  • Core Focus: Develop practical investigative skills through continuous engagement in all modules.
  • Elements: Questioning, planning, conducting, processing, analyzing, problem-solving, and communicating.

Module-Specific Details

Year 11 Modules Breakdown

Module 1: Cells as the Basis of Life
  • Content Focus: Cellular structures, their interrelationships, and biochemical processes.
Module 2: Organisation of Living Things
  • Content Focus: Multicellular organism systems and interdependencies.
Module 3: Biological Diversity
  • Content Focus: Biodiversity impact, monitoring, and evolutionary processes.
Module 4: Ecosystem Dynamics
  • Content Focus: Interactions in ecosystems and implications for environmental management.

Year 12 Modules Breakdown

Module 5: Heredity
  • Content Focus: DNA structure, genetic mechanisms, reproduction, and societal impacts.
Module 6: Genetic Change
  • Content Focus: Understanding natural and induced genetic changes, biotechnology applications.
Module 7: Infectious Disease
  • Content Focus: Pathogen characteristics, immune responses, and disease control strategies.
Module 8: Non-infectious Disease and Disorders
  • Content Focus: Exploring physiological responses, epidemiology, and implications for healthcare.

Glossary of Key Terms

  • abiotic: Referring to non-living environmental factors.
  • allele: Variants of a gene.
  • equilibrium: A stable state of balance within ecosystems.
  • hypothesis: Tentative explanation for observed phenomena.
  • investigation: Scientific procedure to explore hypotheses, collect data, and communicate findings.
  • mutation: Changes in DNA sequences leading to variability.
  • symbiosis: Interaction between species that can be beneficial or harmful.

Summary

The NSW Biology Stage 6 Syllabus is intricately designed to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of biological concepts, emphasizing practical skills, critical thinking, and an appreciation for the interconnectedness of life. The focus on inclusivity, diverse learning strategies, and cross-curricular connections fosters a rich educational experience tailored to prepare students for real-world scientific challenges and societal interactions in the field of biology.