The mathematics K-2 syllabus includes:

• a new structure that highlights foundational numeracy skills
• significant revision to the structure and naming of the sub-strands
• a new aim, rationale, and other introductory components that are informed by evidence
• new outcomes and content that are informed by evidence and identify skills needed by all students to develop competence in mathematics
• a greater emphasis on the development of reasoning for students to support a deep understanding of mathematical concepts
• one overarching outcome for working mathematically that describes the thinking and doing of mathematics
• content groups that assist teachers to identify key knowledge and skills for each focus area
• key progress points have been developed by NESA. They provide examples of tasks that teachers may use to investigate student understanding and progress.
• examples that have been separated from the content. This makes it clearer what is syllabus content and what is provided as support.
• access points for students with significant intellectual disability
• teaching advice to support understanding of the content of the syllabus and to make informed pedagogical decisions.

The syllabus for mathematics K-2 is based on evidence that highlights the importance of:

• understanding the symbols that represent quantity
• learning the sequence of counting words and making the association between the words and quantities
• learning different ways of representing quantity – objects, words and symbols – as well as understanding that ten (10), for example, is not only a word or symbol but a combination of different number pairs, such as 5 and 5, 4 and 6, or 3 and 7
• knowing how to use 10 and 100 as units
• identifying links between measurement, space and number
• understanding how structures are organised and related
• being able to provide the reasoning behind the solution to a problem.

Mathematics K-2 Syllabus © NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) for and on behalf of the Crown in right of the State of New South Wales, (2021).

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