Thousands of NSW high school senior student will learn more about indigenous culture, Asia and feminism and face a return to fundamental grammar under sweeping new changes to the HSC syllabus.
The NSW Board of Studies has released reforms to 17 English, history, maths and science courses that give greater emphasis to Australia's place in the "Asian Century".
A mandatory writing unit focusing on grammar, spelling and punctuation will also be added to all English courses.
Board of Studies, Teaching and Educational Standards president Tom Alegounarias said a return to English fundamentals was long overdue.
"We've seen a movement over the past, say 30 years, to underplay grammar but we feel that has gone too far," he told AAP.
An increased use of Asia-related case studies in English and modern history will aim to contextualise Australia's place in the region.
"Texts that are taught about Asia will go to our cultural relationship and history," Mr Alegounarias said.
"Overall, we feel the changes reflect community expectations."
Proposed modern history electives will highlight the role of women and indigenous leaders, including the women's movement of the 1960s and '70s and Australian aboriginal activists such as Eddie Mabo.
"Students will be looking at where they began, the circumstances and how they shaped modern life," Mr Alegounarias said.
Some topics have been cut from the syllabus, with an emphasis on more in-depth learning.
The number of historical figures studies has been reduced, filled with a more in-depth analysis of how World War II shaped the world.
Under the proposals, statistics will be taught in all maths courses, while science subjects will encourage greater critical thinking.
The new syllabus will be first taught to Year 11 students in 2018.
The changes come after NSW Education Minister Adrian Piccoli this week announced minimum literacy and numeracy standards for HSC students from 2020 onwards.
Mr Alegounarias says teachers will have one year to adapt to the new syllabuses but stressed that it isn't outside their usual workload.
The draft syllabuses are open for public feedback until August 31.
PROPOSED CHANGES TO YEAR 11 AND 12 SUBJECTS IN NSW
ENGLISH
* Mandatory unit to focus on spelling, grammar, vocabulary and punctuation.
MATHS
* Statistics included in all levels of maths courses, with an increased emphasis on problem solving.
SCIENCE
* The promotion of critical thinking rather than recalling facts and the ability to learn about emerging technologies such as desalination.
HISTORY
* Greater opportunity to study Asian history and prominent female and indigenous leaders, plus an greater analysis of World War II and its global impact.
