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A range of examples of how schools can organise a K-6 science and technology scope and sequence and the elements that could be included.

Introduction

The sample scope and sequence documents incorporate advice from NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) and include the following elements:

  • the scope of learning in relation to the syllabus outcomes to be addressed
  • the sequence of learning in relation to the syllabus outcomes to be addressed
  • duration of the learning
  • syllabus outcomes addressed through the learning and related outcomes (from other KLAs) if the teaching program is integrated
  • relevant information for particular learning areas or particular school requirements.

Please note that each document is a ‘sample’ that schools may adapt to meet the needs of their students and local context.

Five approaches for flexible organisation

The sample scope and sequence documents have been designed using five different approaches. They provide a range of flexible options and models for whole school organisation of science and technology. Each approach builds upon basic requirements and provides additional syllabus information to assist planning and programming.

The 5 approaches include:

  1. Term-based with learning overview
  2. Term-based with questions and content
  3. Year-level based
  4. Whole school
  5. Semester-based, single strand.

Every approach contains a full set of sample scope and sequence documents and blank templates for all stages (Early Stage 1 to Stage 3).

Sample scope and sequences with a learning overview for syllabus content strands.

Approach 1 – term-based – learning overview

Features

  • stage of learning
  • term (duration)
  • odd and even years
  • syllabus outcomes
  • focus (syllabus content strands)
  • learning overview
  • inquiry/focus questions

Samples

Most suitable for large schools with one or more classes per year level.

Sample scope and sequences with inquiry/focus questions and specific syllabus content.

Approach 2 – term-based – questions and content

Features

  • stage of learning
  • term (duration)
  • odd and even years
  • syllabus outcomes
  • focus (syllabus content strands)
  • inquiry/focus questions
  • specific syllabus content

Samples

Most suitable for large schools with one or more classes per year level.

Sample scope and sequences organised by year levels with inquiry and focus questions and an overview of intended learning.

Approach 3 – year-level based

Features

  • stage of learning
  • term (duration)
  • odd and even years
  • year level
  • syllabus outcomes (skills identified separately to knowledge and understanding)
  • focus (syllabus content strands)
  • inquiry/focus questions

Note: Kindergarten is broken into ‘earlier term’ and ‘later term’.

Samples

Most suitable for large schools with one or more classes per year level.

Sample scope and sequences with overarching questions to guide inquiry across all stages.

Approach 4 – whole school

Features

  • stage of learning
  • duration
  • odd and even years
  • syllabus outcomes
  • overarching question
  • inquiry/focus questions

Samples

Most suitable for small schools with students from K-6 or multi-stage classes.

Sample scope and sequences with digital technologies integrated every semester over a two-year cycle.

Approach 5 – semester-based

Features

  • stage of learning
  • semester-based
  • odd and even years
  • syllabus outcomes
  • focus (syllabus content strands)
  • inquiry/focus questions

Samples

Note there is no blank template for approach 5

Most suitable for schools wishing to integrate across strands and/or key learning areas.

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