11–12Agriculture 11–12 Syllabus (2026)

Describe how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples have practised sustainable agricultural production for millennia

Identify key food and fibre commodities grown in Australia for domestic and export markets

Describe Australia’s agricultural sectors: food, fibre, forestry, and fisheries

Explain the economic, social, ethical and environmental issues influencing sustainable agricultural production in Australia

Explain the influence of climate, soil type and topography on the location of agricultural enterprises within local regions and across NSW

Compare key production data for an agricultural enterprise over the past 5 years, including total output and export value

Explain the purpose of sample size, randomisation, replication, variables and experimental controls in agricultural research

Describe inputs, processes and outputs as key elements of agricultural production systems

Explain traditional ecological management techniques used by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples to maintain biodiversity and resource sustainability

Explain how interconnected subsystems of soils, microbes, plants, animals and markets are required for food and fibre production and consumption

Compare the features of intensive and extensive agricultural production methods

Use data to compare land use capability

Outline the influence of a farm’s natural capital including air, water, soil, native plants and animals

Outline the physical properties of soil, including parent material, horizons, colour, texture, structure, organic matter, water-holding capacity, porosity and bulk density

Describe the chemical properties of soil, including pH, ion exchange capacity, electrical conductivity and soil carbon content

Explain how farming practices contribute to productive soil, including the retention and addition of organic matter

Explain the role of humus in improving soil structure, fertility and moisture retention

Conduct a practical investigation to determine soil types using a soil texture triangle and clay ribbon test

Conduct a practical investigation to determine soil structure, including ped shape and size, slaking and dispersion

Evaluate the role of natural capital in the provision of biodiversity, shelter, wildlife corridors, and habitats for pollinators and pests

Identify sources of water for use in agricultural production, including underground water, riparian water, municipal water supplies, and captured and stored rain run-off

Explain water licensing requirements for irrigation in NSW

Describe how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples' Cultural and ecological management of water has influenced water conservation and sustainable water management practices

Analyse strategies for the sustainable management of land around waterways to protect riparian zones and prevent water pollution

Calculate the difference between total rainfall and effective rainfall

Outline the influences on Australian climate and weather

Identify greenhouse gas (GHG) sources and GHG sinks associated with agricultural practices

Describe how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples observe and interpret climate and seasonal patterns through environmental indicators, animal behaviour, plant cycles and celestial movements

Explain how climate influences plant and animal growth and production, including the effects of light, temperature, and available moisture, oxygen and carbon dioxide

Use data to analyse the difference between seasonal variability and climate change