HSIE K–6 Syllabus (2024) – Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions – HSIE K–6 Syllabus (2024)

What is the HSIE K–6 Syllabus (2024)?
The Human Society and its Environment (HSIE) K–6 Syllabus (2024) is a new NSW curriculum that replaces the History K–10 Syllabus (2012) and Geography K–10 Syllabus (2015). It focuses on how people, places, environments and events have shaped our world.

What subjects are combined in the new HSIE K–6 Syllabus?
History and geography have been combined into a single HSIE K–6 syllabus, replacing the previous separate K–10 syllabuses for each subject.

When does the new HSIE syllabus need to be implemented?
Schools are required to implement the new syllabus from 2027. The years 2025 and 2026 are dedicated to teacher engagement, planning, and preparation.

What should schools be doing right now?
Schools and teachers are encouraged to spend time in the engage phase — getting familiar with the syllabus content and teaching advice — before moving into the enact phase of implementation in 2027.

What makes this syllabus different from previous ones?
The new syllabus is content-rich, providing greater clarity around essential knowledge and understanding. Content is interconnected across topics and stages, and historical and geographical concepts and skills are embedded within the content rather than taught separately.

What content is introduced from Stage 1?
From Stage 1, students begin learning about the world and the ancient past, broadening their understanding beyond local and Australian contexts from an early age.

What is new about Aboriginal Cultures and Histories in this syllabus?
The syllabus introduces new dedicated outcomes and content for Aboriginal Cultures and Histories, including content about Aboriginal languages — a significant addition to support deeper cultural understanding and respect for the oldest living, continuous cultures in the world.

How does the syllabus support civics and citizenship?
The new syllabus includes strengthened civics and citizenship learning opportunities, helping students develop the knowledge and skills to contribute positively to their communities and to a just and sustainable world.

What literacy skills are developed through HSIE?
The syllabus includes creating written texts (CWT) content within history, and a dedicated CWT outcome at Stage 3, supporting students to communicate their historical understanding through writing.

Is the syllabus inclusive of all learners?
Yes — the syllabus includes access content points specifically designed for students with significant intellectual disability, ensuring all students can engage with the curriculum.

Where can teachers find the most up-to-date resources?
Teachers should refer to the NESA HSIE K–6 Syllabus webpage regularly, particularly the record of changes tab, as teaching advice and support materials are continually being added.