Western
Australian Curriculum

Jacaranda’s new titles for the Western Australian Curriculum

Jacaranda is proud to partner with AISWA.

The Western Australia Curriculum

What’s coming in 2026?

Western Australian Curriculum has always been designed to nurture critical thinking, problem-solving and a love of learning. However, the 2026 updates aim to elevate learning outcomes and better prepare students for the challenges of the 21st century.

Generally, across learning areas, the revised content provides a more tailored and logical progression of knowledge and skills across year levels. The inclusion of more Western Australian-specific examples and case studies will also provide an immediate hook for your students.

We know updating your documentation and lesson plans for new curriculum requirements can be time consuming – and a little daunting for some. That’s why we’ve put together this straightforward summary of key changes in Mathematics, Science, and Humanities and Social Sciences (HASS) for implementation in 2026.

Clear on the changes and want to get straight into your subject? We’ve got you covered.

Jacaranda Maths Quest for the Western Australian Curriculum Years 7-10
Jacaranda Science Quest for the Western Australian Curriculum Years 7-10
Jacaranda Humanities for Social Sciences Quest for the Western Australian Curriculum Years 7-10

Mathematics

• Revised content better aligns with student development and real-world applications, including modelling tasks at the end of each strand.
• Number and Algebra introduces key skills in algebraic techniques and modelling at age-appropriate stages.
  • Year 7 focuses on transitioning from primary concepts to foundational pre-algebra, including integers, patterns, and equations.
  • Years 8 and 9 build confidence with algebraic expressions and financial mathematics.
  • Year 9 introduces non-linear equations.
  • Year 10 sharpens analytical thinking with advanced algebra, linear and quadratic relations, and more sophisticated financial modelling.
• Measurement and Geometry has a clearer focus on spatial reasoning and practical contexts.
  • Year 7 explores perimeter, area, and basic transformations.
  • Year 8 introduces the Pythagoras theorem.
  • Years 9 and 10 engage with scale factor, similarity, 3D structures, and applications in design and engineering.
• Statistics and Probability progressively introduces the power of data and chance in real life.
  • Year 7 begins with simple data collection and interpretation.
  • Years 8 and 9 explore sampling methods, data variability, and graphical representations.
  • Year 10 uses prior knowledge for cumulative frequency graphs, boxplots, advanced probability scenarios, and critical media analysis.
• Optional content in Years 9 and 10 allows for deeper or extended learning tailored to student readiness.
  • Units include complex trigonometric relationships, advanced algebraic modelling, and exploring bias and ethics in statistical methods.
• Real-world examples are made explicit to help students understand how maths applies to their lives.
  • Financial literacy strands support decision-making in banking, budgeting, and investing.
  • Geometry and measurement connect to architecture, engineering, and WA industries.
  • Data analysis focuses on media literacy and critical evaluation of numerical information in the media.
• Concepts have been reorganised so each year builds on the last, strengthening foundations before introducing more advanced ideas.

Science

• Science as a Human Endeavour strand has been removed and its content integrated into a new Science Inquiry sub-strand titled Collaborating and Applying. This sub-strand emphasises authentic, real-world applications of science, encouraging students to apply their knowledge in meaningful contexts and engage in collaborative, solution-focused projects that reflect scientific practice in modern society.
• Earth and Space Sciences has been expanded in Years 7, 8, and 10 to reflect Western Australia’s strong links to the mining and space industries, highlighting local relevance and career opportunities.
• Biological Sciences sub-strand now includes new content in Year 9 that emphasises WA’s unique biodiversity, fostering an appreciation for the state’s natural heritage and ecosystems.
• Chemical Sciences sub-strand in Year 9 has been updated with recent trends in chemical sciences, ensuring content remains current and relevant for students’ understanding of modern chemistry.
• Scope and Sequence has been organised to provide a more logical progression of concepts across year levels. For instance, the concept of states of matter, previously introduced in Year 8, has been moved to Year 7 to align with the foundational knowledge required for subsequent topics.
• Year Level and Achievement Standards have been updated to better support student learning, align with best practice and reflect clearer expectations at each year level.
• More explicit focus on skill development and conceptual understanding that builds progressively. For example, Year 9 now emphasizes a deeper understanding of chemical reactions and their applications, while Year 10 introduces more advanced analytical techniques to prepare students for senior chemistry.

Humanities & Social Science

• Overall, the content included in the scope and sequence has been reduced.
• All of the subjects have been restructured into two distinct units, each focussing on a specific topic, meaning that students study two units (or topics) for each of the four HASS subjects per year.

History

• Year 7 includes a new unit on the Deep Time History of Australia. This replaces the three content descriptors for ‘Depth Study 1: Investigating the Ancient Past’.
• Year 9 includes a new unit on Australian history (1750–1914).
• The Industrial Revolution is now studied in Year 8, not Year 9, and includes fewer content descriptors.
• Year 7 content descriptor ‘Roles of key groups in the ancient society, and the influence of law and religion’ is no longer included in the study of ancient societies.
• Year 8 content descriptors have changed for ‘The transformation of the medieval world to the early modern world, including the causes, impacts and significance of at least one of the following on European society: the Black Death, scientific advancement, cultural and intellectual revival’. This means that studies of the Black Death is now optional.
• Year 8 content descriptors have been removed, ‘Key features of the medieval world (feudalism, trade routes, voyages of discovery, contact and conflict)’ and ‘The population movements and changing settlement patterns’ in reference to the study of the Industrial Revolution (not carried over from the move from Year 9).
• In Year 9 the content descriptor ‘The important features of the modern period (1750–1918) including technological change, Imperialism and Nationalism’ has been removed.
• In Year 10, a new content descriptor has been added: ‘The continuing efforts to create change in the rights and freedoms in Australia for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and one other group’.
• In Year 10, three content descriptors have been removed:
  • ‘The inter-war years between World War I and World War II, including the Treaty of Versailles, the Roaring Twenties and the Great Depression’
  • ‘Methods used by civil rights activists to achieve change for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and the role of one individual or group in the struggle’
  • ‘The US civil rights movement and its influence on Australia’.

Geography 

• Fewer content descriptors require students to compare case studies.
• Year 8 no longer includes the study of the geographical processes that produce landforms.
• Year 8 students no longer study the application of principles of prevention, mitigation, and preparedness to minimize the harmful effects of geomorphic hazards.
• Year 9 no longer includes study of the environmental, economic, and technological factors influencing crop yields in Australia and across the world.

Civics and Citizenship

• Year 8 includes new descriptors for the unit ‘Young people’s rights and responsibilities when interacting with law enforcement’
• Year 7 Civics and Citizenship no longer includes ‘The division of powers between state/territory and federal levels of government in Australia’
• In Year 8 Civics and Citizenship, the content descriptor ‘Different perspectives about Australia’s national identity, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ perspectives and what it means to be Australian’ has been restructured as examples throughout Civics and Citizenship units.

Economics and Business

• Specific references to economic models have been added (e.g. the circular flow model, demand and supply models and the business) cycle
• Year 9 exploration of ‘How Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses develop opportunities in the market’ has been revised.
• Year 10 content about ‘The role of ethical decision-making in production and consumption’ has been revised
• Year 7 no longer includes ‘The ways people who have retired from employment earn an income (e.g. age pension, superannuation, private savings).

Aligned to every change

Our 2026 resources are mapped to the new curriculum in detail, ensuring every updated topic is covered thoroughly without gaps.

Practical Lesson Plans and Work programs

We provide pre-prepared work programs, scope and sequence guides, and detailed lesson plans. This makes it easier to adapt to shifts in content without starting from scratch.

Jacaranda Maths Quest for the Western Australian Curriculum Years 7-10
Jacaranda Science Quest for the Western Australian Curriculum Years 7-10
Jacaranda Humanities for Social Sciences Quest for the Western Australian Curriculum Years 7-10