11–12Biology 11–12 Syllabus (2025)
The new Biology 11–12 Syllabus (2025) is to be implemented from 2027 and will replace the Biology Stage 6 Syllabus (2017).
2026
- Plan and prepare to teach the new syllabus
2027, Term 1
- Start teaching the new syllabus for Year 11
- Start implementing new Year 11 school-based assessment requirements
- Continue to teach the Biology Stage 6 Syllabus (2017) for Year 12
2027, Term 4
- Start teaching the new syllabus for Year 12
- Start implementing new Year 12 school-based assessment requirements
2028
- First HSC examination for new syllabus
Content
Life Skills
- BI-LS-01
identifies features of living and non-living things
- BI-LS-02
identifies the components of living things and their functions
Through collaborative curriculum planning, it may be decided that Life Skills outcomes and content are the most appropriate option for some students with intellectual disability.
Relevant Working scientifically outcomes and content should be integrated with each focus area based on the strengths and needs of individual students.
Recognise living things
Observe features of living things
Identify that living things grow and change; use food, water and air; respond to changes; and reproduce
Categorise things as living or non-living
Recognise resources needed by living things to survive
Recognise that some living things are very small
Identify that microscopes are used to magnify small objects
Recognise that many living things are made up of cells that can only be seen through a microscope
Observe plant and animal cells
Participate in a practical investigation to observe a variety of cells
Observe that the cell membrane surrounds the cell
Identify the function of cells
Explore how the development of microscopes over time has improved knowledge and understanding about cells
Identify objects that allow liquid to pass through
Identify characteristics of materials that allow liquid to pass through
Recognise that substances need to move into and out of cells through the cell membrane
Model the movement of water into and out of cells
Recognise that cells need to remove waste to function
Recognise that living things grow and repair damage
Identify that cells replicate for growth and repair