The Computing Technology Life Skills 11–12 Syllabus includes:

• a new digital platform for disseminating information
  • It is important to regularly check the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) digital platform website for updates.
• a focus on the development of responsible and ethical use of digital systems and the development of cyber safety and cyber security skills
• learning through the development of a computing technology project
• focus areas as suggestions only
  • Teachers have the flexibility to develop focus areas that will meet the needs, strengths, goals, interests and prior learning of their students.
• contemporary content and examples to prepare students for the modern digital, connected world
• examples that have been separated from the content
  • This makes it clearer what is syllabus content and what information is provided as support.
• teaching advice to support understanding of syllabus content to make informed pedagogical decisions.

Computing Technology Life Skills outcomes and content overview image is from the Computing Technology Life Skills 11–12 Syllabus © NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) for and on behalf of the Crown in right of the State of New South Wales, 2024.

Prior to implementing the Computing Technology Life Skills 11-12 Syllabus, leaders will need to consider the following:

• suitability of a Life Skills (staff only) pattern of studies for students
• complexities for staff working to implement multiple new syllabuses and curriculum
• timetabling, staffing and rooming to support use of technology and resources required in the syllabus
• logistical changes, such as updating the name of the subject in published documentation and subject selection information
• building teacher understanding of new content, such as everyday computing, interactive media and the user experience, networking systems and social computing, digital citizenship and cyber safety, data science and intelligent systems
• supporting teacher understanding of effective project-based learning pedagogies required to meet the intent of this course
• resource and budget implications.
  • Access to suitable technology for staff and students to support the practical nature of student learning in this course.
  • Equipment for focus areas such as Networking systems and software may be required.
  • New resources may need to be purchased to support course delivery.
  • Additional professional learning for teachers may be required to effectively deliver new content in the course.

The syllabus for Computing Technology Life Skills 11–12 is based on evidence highlighting that:

• 'There is a need for a digital technology stream in K–12 to support digital specialists, individuals who focus on developing digital technology and who want to learn how to code. While most students will not choose to become digital specialists, it is important that all students are introduced to coding to demystify the technology and to expose them to a career path that they might not have otherwise considered.’

Deloitte (2017) To code or not to code, is that the question?, ResearchGate, accessed 30 October 2024.

• ‘Teacher-led direct instruction and a student-centred, project-based approach are compatible. A project-based approach requires students to work together as they tackle complex, real-world problems that emphasize uncertainty, iterative thinking, and innovation. It fosters a sense of purpose in young learners, pushes them to think critically, and prepares them for modern careers that prize skills like collaboration, problem-solving, and creativity.’

Terada, Y (21 February 2021) 'New Research Makes a Powerful Case for PBL (Project Based Learning)', Edutopia, accessed 14 April 2021.

Computing Technology Life Skills 11–12 (2022) © NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) for and on behalf of the Crown in right of the State of New South Wales, 2024.

• Are there ways to assist students in this course to engage with the outcomes of the Enterprise Computing 11–12 Syllabus (2022)?
• Why do parents and the community value growing technology skills and digital literacy in our students?
• How can Computing Technology Life Skills 11–12 equip students and increase their opportunities in post school learning and employment ventures?

• Computing Technology Life Skills 11–12 Syllabus
• NESA Computing Technology Life Skills 11-12 syllabus teaching and learning support
• Diversity in learning – Life Skills