Frequently Asked Questions: The New NSW Science and Technology Syllabus

For School Leaders, Curriculum Coordinators and Teachers

As NSW schools prepare for the implementation of the new Science and Technology syllabus from 2027, many school leaders are asking what these changes mean in practice and how they can best support teachers and students through the transition.

At Robokids, we work alongside schools across Australia to deliver curriculum-aligned STEM, robotics and digital technologies programs. Below are some of the most common questions we are hearing from principals, assistant principals and classroom teachers. The new syllabus places a stronger emphasis on inquiry, design thinking, digital technologies, problem-solving and real-world application.

What is changing in the new NSW Science and Technology syllabus?

The new syllabus moves beyond students simply learning scientific facts and technological concepts.

Students are now expected to:

  • Ask meaningful questions
  • Investigate real-world problems
  • Design and test solutions
  • Apply digital technologies
  • Think critically and creatively
  • Reflect on and improve their ideas

The focus is increasingly on developing capabilities and ways of thinking rather than simply recalling information. This aligns closely with contemporary STEM education approaches and project-based learning models.

When will schools begin teaching the new syllabus?

Implementation is scheduled to begin from 2027 for NSW primary schools.

Schools are currently reviewing programs, resources and professional learning opportunities to ensure teachers feel confident delivering the updated curriculum.

Does the new syllabus place a greater emphasis on STEM?

Yes.

While science remains a core component, the syllabus strengthens connections between science, technology, engineering and problem-solving.

Students are increasingly being asked to explore authentic challenges, develop solutions and use technology as a tool for investigation and creation rather than simply consuming information.

How important are digital technologies in the new curriculum?

Digital technologies play a much larger role than in previous versions of the syllabus.

Students are expected to:

  • Develop computational thinking skills
  • Use digital tools to investigate and communicate
  • Understand systems and technologies
  • Design and create digital solutions
  • Apply technology to solve problems

This creates opportunities for coding, robotics, data analysis and digital design experiences across primary school settings.

Do schools need to purchase expensive technology or robotics equipment?

Not necessarily.

The curriculum focuses on student learning outcomes rather than specific devices or platforms.

Schools can begin developing inquiry, design and computational thinking skills through a variety of approaches. Many schools choose to partner with external providers such as Robokids to access specialist equipment, experienced facilitators and curriculum-aligned programs without significant upfront investment.

How can schools build teacher confidence in STEM?

One of the biggest challenges schools face is not student engagement but teacher confidence.

Professional learning should focus on:

  • Inquiry-based learning approaches
  • Computational thinking
  • Design thinking
  • Digital technologies integration
  • Practical classroom implementation

Teachers do not need to be coding experts or engineers. They simply need the confidence to facilitate exploration, questioning and problem-solving experiences.

Robokids also offers teacher professional development programs designed to support schools building their STEM capability.

How does robotics support the new curriculum?

Robotics provides a practical way for students to apply many of the capabilities embedded throughout the new syllabus.

Through robotics activities, students learn to:

  • Investigate problems
  • Test hypotheses
  • Collect evidence
  • Debug solutions
  • Collaborate with peers
  • Develop resilience
  • Apply computational thinking

Importantly, robotics transforms abstract concepts into hands-on learning experiences that students can see, test and improve in real time. Research consistently shows that hands-on robotics programs can improve engagement, teamwork, confidence and STEM understanding.

How does the new syllabus support future-ready skills?

The updated curriculum recognises that many future careers will require skills that extend beyond content knowledge alone.

Students are being encouraged to develop:

  • Critical thinking
  • Creativity
  • Collaboration
  • Communication
  • Adaptability
  • Digital literacy
  • Problem-solving

These capabilities are increasingly recognised as essential across all industries, not just STEM-related careers.

What role does inquiry-based learning play?

Inquiry sits at the heart of the new syllabus.

Students are encouraged to:

  • Observe
  • Question
  • Predict
  • Investigate
  • Analyse evidence
  • Draw conclusions

Rather than being passive recipients of information, students become active participants in the learning process.

This approach helps students build deeper understanding and stronger engagement with the content.

How can schools prepare now?

Schools can begin preparing by:

  1. Reviewing existing Science and Technology programs
  2. Identifying opportunities for inquiry-based learning
  3. Exploring digital technologies integration
  4. Building teacher confidence through professional learning
  5. Introducing hands-on STEM experiences such as robotics and coding
  6. Establishing a whole-school STEM vision aligned to future curriculum requirements

Schools that begin planning early will be well positioned to make the transition smoothly and confidently.

How can Robokids support our school?

Robokids delivers curriculum-aligned STEM, robotics and coding programs for students from Early Learning through to Year 8. Programs are designed by educators and support the development of critical thinking, creativity, problem-solving, resilience and digital literacy skills that align strongly with the direction of the new NSW Science and Technology syllabus.

We also provide:

  • STEM incursions
  • Robotics workshops
  • Coding programs
  • Teacher professional development
  • School holiday and after-school STEM programs

Whether your school is just beginning its STEM journey or looking to strengthen an existing program, our team can help build confidence and capability across both students and staff.

Looking Ahead

The new NSW Science and Technology syllabus is not simply about teaching more technology. It is about helping students think differently, solve problems creatively and develop the confidence to navigate an increasingly complex world.

Schools that embrace inquiry, hands-on learning and meaningful STEM experiences will be well placed to help students thrive in the years ahead.

Want to explore how Robokids can support your school’s STEM strategy? Contact our team to discuss curriculum-aligned workshops, teacher professional learning and whole-school STEM initiatives.