Contents
Available Now: New 7-10 Syllabuses (Ref: 231/24)
The new Geography, History, and Visual Arts 7–10 syllabuses are now available.
The syllabuses now explicitly articulate the knowledge and skills students need to acquire at each level of learning, with ambitious outcomes for students.
The new syllabuses will be implemented in NSW schools in 2027. Schools can plan and prepare to teach from 2024 with updated support materials and teaching advice.
The new syllabuses are available on the NSW Curriculum website here.
To read the Media Release from Prue Car, Minister for Education and Early Learning, click here.
Register Now: 'Mastering education: Why Some Boys Flourish in a Modern World' (Ref: 233/24)
Hartford College is hosting Dale Ahlquist, a leading expert on G.K. Chesterton’s life and work, for an evening exploring the liberal arts education that prioritises faith, critical thinking, and holistic development from 6-8 PM on 1 November.
Ahlquist, who founded over 60 Chesteron Network Schools in the U.S., will explore the growing interest in G.K. Chesterton as a model of a ‘complete thinker’ and how this has influenced modern education in schools.
Ahlquist promotes an “atmosphere of Catholic joy,” in education, integrating faith into every aspect of learning. Chesterton schools produce well-rounded, confident graduates who are highly regarded by universities. Dale will discuss how the model encourages cross-disciplinary learning, fosters the art of debate (the ‘Socratic method’), and addresses the crisis of meaning affecting young men today.
This event is perfect for parents of boys in Years 1-9 who are looking for an education that goes beyond the ordinary. If you want your son to become a well-adjusted, joyful, and intellectually equipped individual, this event is for you.
Tickets are $24 per person, click here to purchase.
To learn more about the event, click here.
Anzac Community Grants Program 2024 (Ref: 228/24)
Applications for the 2024 Anzac Community Grants Program are now open!
The NSW Government’s Anzac Community Grants Program provides grants of up to $3,000 for a range of projects that commemorate and educate New South Wales communities about the service and sacrifices of current and former military servicemen and servicewomen, as well as activities benefiting the NSW veteran community.
Individuals and not-for-profit organisations, including local governments, ex-service organisations, and educational institutions, are eligible to apply for funding.
Applications close on Monday 11 November 2024 at 5pm.
For further information and to apply, click here.
Free Resources to Help School Leaders Manage Classroom Behaviour (Ref: 222/24)
The Federal Government has released free resources to implement whole-school approaches to managing classroom behaviour. Evidence shows the effectiveness of a consistent whole-of-school approach towards classroom management.
The first set of AERO’s ‘Engaged Classroom’ resources was released in December, with a third set to be released in early 2025.
The new resources, which include a whole-school approach facilitation guide and professional learning resources, are available at AERO’s website here.
Reminder: Clarified ACE Rules apply from October 2024 (Ref: 224/24)
The clarified ACE rules will apply to students commencing HSC courses from October 2024, students sitting for HSC exams in 2025, and students receiving the RoSA from October 2024.
Access the clarified ACE rules here.
NESA has published the rules one year ahead, so schools have time to prepare.
The current ACE Online Rules remain in place until October 2024. Schools must not implement the clarified rules before 14 October 2024.
Access the current ACE rules here.
Clarified ACE Rules are on the NSW Curriculum website
The NSW Curriculum website is the single source of truth for the clarified ACE Rules. This website makes it easier for schools to navigate the rules and better understand their obligations.
NESA welcomes feedback on the functionality of the NSW Curriculum website, so we can make it easier for schools to understand the clarified rules.
Clarifications to ACE Rules
NESA has clarified ACE Rules to make it easier for schools to understand their obligations. The clarifications include:
- removing ambiguous, outdated or duplicated material
- strengthening the enforceability of a rule (eg, using ‘must’ versus ‘may’ to distinguish between enforceable content and discretionary powers)
- framing rules around the roles and responsibilities of schools and NESA
- moving most non-enforceable, advisory content to NESA’s website, and providing links to other ACE Rules and webpages.
ACE Rules for the 2023 and 2024 HSC
The current ACE Rules on ACE Online remain in place until 14 October 2024. This means schools must comply with ACE Online rules for the HSC in 2023 and 2024. Access ACE Online here.
When the clarified rules are mandated in October 2024, ACE Online will be decommissioned, and the mandated ACE Rules will continue to be hosted on the NSW Curriculum website, which is available here.
NESA contacts for ACE Rules
Schools should visit the NSW Curriculum website for the clarified rules and information on key changes — this is the single source of truth.
NESA contacts for specific rules are available on the ACE Rules contact page on the NSW Curriculum website, which is available here.
NESA Liaison Officers are also available to answer questions schools may have.
Available Now: HSC Showcase Hub (Ref: 226/24)
The HSC Showcase Hub is now available, with information and resources across all six showcases: ENCORE, OnSTAGE, ARTEXPRESS, CALLBACK, Young Writers, and SHAPE.
The Hub also includes information about nominations and selections to help students and schools better understand the process. Discover NESA’s HSC Masterclass series featuring students from past showcases and explore virtual exhibitions across SHAPE, ARTEXPRESS and OnSTAGE.
Find everything you need to know for the HSC Showcase Season on the Hub here.
Over the next three months, students across NSW will find out if they are nominated for an HSC showcase. Being nominated for a showcase is an outstanding achievement; behind each one is the passion, hard work and effort of NSW HSC students. A nomination means that an exemplary HSC project, submitted work or performance reflects the syllabus outcomes, content, and meets all HSC exam requirements.
Celebrate your nominated students! Download the Nomination Celebration kit from the HSC Showcase Hub here.
Release of Years 7 & 8 Mastery in Mathematics Resources (Ref: 223/24)
The National Catholic Education Commission (NCEC) and Ochre Education have developed a full year’s worth of teaching resources for Years 7 and 8 mathematics teachers in Catholic schools.
Aligned to the Australian Curriculum V9.0, the NSW Syllabus and the Victorian Curriculum V2.0, the resources include curriculum mapping, lesson plans, assessments, and support intervention for students with foundational numeracy gaps.
Additionally, the NCEC has approved an extension of the MiM project to develop Year 9 mathematics teaching resources, following the significant interest and positive feedback from teachers accessing the Year 7 and 8 resources.
Access the latest resources at the Ochre Education website here.
Online Education Centre Enrolments Now Open - 2025 Preliminary HSC Students (Ref: 221/24)
The Diocese of Lismore Online Education Centre (OEC) is now taking enrolments for 2025 Preliminary HSC Students in the following 2 Unit subjects.
- Aboriginal Studies
- Economics
- Enterprise Computing
- Engineering Studies
- Japanese Beginners
- Multimedia Technology
- Software Engineering
To learn more about the OEC, click here.
If you have any students who may be interested and would benefit from studying one of these subjects via our online school, please follow the link to the 2025 OEC Enrolment Form here.
If you have any questions or require further information, please do not hesitate to contact us here.
Please note: All courses are run subject to minimum enrolment numbers.
Panel Discussion Event - Catholic Social Teaching and Australian Politics (Ref: 229/24)
Catholic Schools NSW has partnered with The La Salle Academy at Australian Catholic University to host an expert panel exploring Catholic Social Teaching and its ability to achieve better policy-making in Australia, including in education. Panellists include the CEO of Catholic Schools NSW, Mr Dallas McInerney, The Hon. Susan Carter, Ms Julia Finn MP, Professor Br David Hall fms.
The event will now be held on Monday, 4 November, click here to register.
NSW State Training Awards (Ref: 232/24)
The NSW Training Awards are conducted annually by Training Services NSW within the NSW Department of Education to recognise outstanding achievement in the vocational education and training sector. The Awards honour and reward the achievements of students, trainers/teachers, registered training organisations and employers.
Annalise is completing her Certificate II in Cookery at MacKillop College, Bathurst. The Catholic Education Diocese of Bathurst is her RTO.
Following her win at the Western Regional Awards in June, Annalise has had the opportunity to be a Vocational Education and Training Ambassador, leading to the state round of interviews in July.
Other CSNSW representatives who were interviewed following their regional wins were:
- Abbey Hartley, Kildare Catholic College, Catholic Diocese of Wagga Wagga; Certificate II in Hospitality (Food & Beverage)
- Ivy Hain SBAT at Southern Cross Catholic College, Burwood; Employer: Hairdressing Picturesque Hair; RTO: Sydney Catholic Schools
- Sharnie Clinch SBAT at Certificate III in Health Services Assistant, St John Paul II, Schofields; RTO: NSW Health
- Xavier Shepherd SBAT at St Columba’s College, Springwood; Certificate III in Retail, Employer and RTO: McDonalds Australia
- Tataya Curry-Jones Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year St John Paul II, Schofields; Certificate III in Business, RTO: Catholic Education Parramatta Diocese
- Simon Gaynor St Anne’s College, Temora. Teacher/Trainer in Primary Industries, Construction, Metals & Engineering; RTO: Catholic Education Office Canberra & Goulburn
- Georgious Frangioudakis Southern Cross Catholic College, Burwood; Teacher/Trainer in Automotive and Construction; RTO: Sydney Catholic Schools
To read more about the finalists, click here.
Read the media release “Winners break gender stereotypes” here.