The Child Studies 7–10 Syllabus (2025) is a Stage 4–5 elective course that equips students with essential knowledge and skills to understand the complex nature of child development and how to support the growth, health, and care of children from birth to 12 years.

Through exploring key areas such as child growth, health and safety, play, and learning, students develop critical research and decision-making abilities. This course also fosters an appreciation of the diverse backgrounds of children in Australia and worldwide, preparing students for future careers in early childhood education, social work, health, and related fields.

Child Studies 7–10 Syllabus (2025)

The Child Studies 7–10 Syllabus (2025) is to be implemented in 2028.

• 2025 to 2027 – Plan and prepare to teach the new syllabus
• 2028 – Start teaching new syllabus

There are a range of implementation models (see Models of curriculum implementation – secondary). The department recommends a staggered implementation to ensure continuity of learning for Years 7 to 10. It is recommended for the Child Studies 7–10 (2025) syllabus that:

• in 2025 to 2027, teachers will engage with the syllabus, and plan and prepare for the implementation of the curriculum
• in 2028 commence teaching from the new syllabus to all 100-hour courses and any new 200-hour courses, continue to teach the Child Studies 7–10 Syllabus (2019) to any students commencing the second year of the course in 2028.

Additional support for leaders to implement the new Child Studies syllabus is available on the Leading PDHPE K–12 page Child Studies 7–10 Syllabus (2025) – information for school leaders.

Teaching and learning resources

The following resources have been developed to assist teachers in creating learning that is contextualised to their classroom. They can be used as a basis for the teacher’s own program, assessment, or scope and sequence, or as an example of how the Child Studies 7–10 Syllabus (2025) could be implemented. Teachers should adapt resources to best suit their students' diverse needs. Additional resources will be made available throughout the engage phase of curriculum reform.

Further resources

For further resources to support teaching and learning in PDHPE 7–10, access the following sections of the department's website.

• Road safety education
• Mental health and wellbeing
• Child protection education

Child Studies 7–10 Syllabus (2019)

Visit the Child Studies 7–10 Syllabus (2019) website for more information.

Contact

• Join the PDHPE statewide staffroom (staff only) on Microsoft Teams for expert advice, resources and professional learning.
• Email the PDHPE team at PDHPE.curriculum@det.nsw.edu.au.