If you have written an HSC assessment task, you have encountered formal outcome codes in the syllabus and task documentation. Curriq also uses shorter content identifiers to organise practice by focus area. This guide explains the difference, how to use each kind of code, and why content-level tracking is more informative than a single broad topic checkbox.
Accuracy note for the 2026 transition: The lookup below reproduces the topic/content identifiers currently used in curriq's syllabus registry, such as MS-F5, C1.2, ME-P1 and MEX-N1. These are useful content labels, but they are not the formal NESA Stage 6 outcome codes. For example, the 2017 syllabuses use outcome codes such as MS2-12-4 and MA12-3, while formal 2024 course outcomes use families such as MST-12-S2-, MAV-12-, ME1-12-* and ME2-12-*. Year 12 students sitting the 2026 HSC continue under the 2017 syllabuses; the first HSC examinations for the 2024 syllabuses are in 2027. Verify formal outcomes in the current NESA mathematics syllabus directory before using a code on an assessment notification.
The four tables are a curriq content-navigation index, not a list of formal NESA outcomes.
Mathematics Standard 2 content lookup
| Content code | Focus area | Topic area | What it covers | Topic page | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | MS-A1 | Formulae and Equations | Algebra | Algebraic expressions, substitution, rearranging formulae and solving practical equations. | Algebra | | MS-A2 | Linear Relationships | Algebra | Straight-line graphs, gradient, intercepts and practical linear models. | Algebra | | MS-A4 | Types of Relationships | Algebra | Exponential and reciprocal models, graphs and key features. | Algebra | | MS-M1 | Applications of Measurement | Measurement | Perimeter, area, surface area and volume of standard and composite shapes. | Measurement | | MS-M2 | Working with Time | Measurement | Time, duration, time zones and practical schedules. | Measurement | | MS-M6 | Non-right-angled Trigonometry | Measurement | Sine rule, cosine rule and triangle area in applied problems. | Measurement | | MS-M7 | Rates and Ratios | Measurement | Rates, ratios, unit conversions and scale factors. | Measurement | | MS-F1 | Money Matters | Financial Mathematics | Earnings, spending, budgets, taxation and simple and compound interest. | Financial Mathematics | | MS-F4 | Investments and Loans | Financial Mathematics | Comparing investments and loans with tables, graphs and reducing balances. | Financial Mathematics | | MS-F5 | Annuities | Financial Mathematics | Annuities, geometric series and future and present value tables. | Financial Mathematics | | MS-S1 | Data Analysis | Statistical Analysis | Tables, graphs and summary statistics including mean, median and standard deviation. | Statistical Analysis | | MS-S2 | Relative Frequency and Probability | Statistical Analysis | Relative frequency, theoretical probability and random experiments. | Statistical Analysis | | MS-S4 | Bivariate Data Analysis | Statistical Analysis | Scatterplots, correlation and lines of best fit. | Statistical Analysis | | MS-S5 | The Normal Distribution | Statistical Analysis | Normal distributions and z-scores for interpreting and comparing data. | Statistical Analysis | | MS-N2 | Network Concepts | Networks | Network terminology, shortest paths and minimum spanning trees. | Networks | | MS-N3 | Critical Path Analysis | Networks | Project scheduling, critical paths and minimum completion times. | Networks |
Mathematics Advanced content lookup
| Content code | Focus area | Topic area | What it covers | Topic page | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | F1.1 | Working with Functions | Functions | Function notation, domain, range, transformations and inverse functions. | Functions | | F1.2 | Linear, Quadratic and Cubic Functions | Functions | Algebraic and graphical analysis of polynomial functions up to degree three. | Functions | | F1.3 | Further Functions and Relations | Functions | Composite, inverse, absolute-value and piecewise functions. | Functions | | T1.1 | Trigonometry and Measure of Angles | Trigonometry | Radians, arc length, sector area and exact trigonometric values. | Trigonometry | | T1.2 | Trigonometric Functions and Identities | Trigonometry | Trigonometric identities, equations and applications. | Trigonometry | | T1.3 | Graphs of Trigonometric Functions | Trigonometry | Amplitude, period, phase shift and modelling periodic phenomena. | Trigonometry | | C1.1 | Introduction to Differentiation | Calculus | Rates of change, first principles and basic derivative rules. | Calculus | | C1.2 | Differential Calculus | Calculus | Product, quotient and chain rules and derivatives of standard functions. | Calculus | | C1.3 | Applications of Differentiation | Calculus | Curve sketching, optimisation and related rates. | Calculus | | C2.1 | Anti-differentiation and the Indefinite Integral | Calculus | Antiderivatives, indefinite integrals and initial-value problems. | Calculus | | C2.2 | Definite Integrals | Calculus | Definite integrals, areas and the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus. | Calculus | | C3.1 | Differential Equations | Calculus | Separable differential equations, slope fields and applied models. | Calculus | | E1.1 | Logarithms and Exponentials | Exponentials and Logarithms | Laws, graphs and equations involving exponential and logarithmic functions. | Exponentials and Logarithms | | E1.2 | Applications of Exponentials and Logarithms | Exponentials and Logarithms | Growth, decay and practical exponential models. | Exponentials and Logarithms | | S1.1 | Probability and Discrete Probability Distributions | Statistical Analysis | Probability rules, random variables and expected value. | Statistical Analysis | | S2.1 | The Binomial Distribution | Statistical Analysis | Binomial probabilities, expectation and variance. | Statistical Analysis | | S3.1 | Normal Distribution | Statistical Analysis | Normal models, standardisation and probability calculations. | Statistical Analysis | | M1.1 | Modelling Financial Situations | Financial Mathematics | Compound interest, loans, annuities and financial decision-making. | Financial Mathematics |
Mathematics Extension 1 content lookup
| Content code | Focus area | Topic area | What it covers | Topic page | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | ME-P1 | Proof by Mathematical Induction | Proof | Induction proofs for divisibility, inequalities and sequences. | Proof | | ME-V1 | Introduction to Vectors | Vectors | Vector notation, operations, geometry and two-dimensional applications. | Vectors | | ME-T1 | Inverse Trigonometric Functions | Trigonometry | Inverse trigonometric functions, restricted domains and graphs. | Trigonometry | | ME-T2 | Further Trigonometric Identities | Trigonometry | Compound-angle, double-angle and related identities. | Trigonometry | | ME-T3 | Trigonometric Equations | Trigonometry | Trigonometric equations over specified domains. | Trigonometry | | ME-F1 | Further Work with Functions | Functions | Advanced function properties, transformations and inequalities. | Functions | | ME-F2 | Polynomials | Functions | Polynomial roots, theorems, factorisation and equations. | Functions | | ME-C1 | Rates of Change | Calculus | Related rates and advanced applications of differentiation. | Calculus | | ME-C2 | Further Integration | Calculus | Substitution, integration by parts and trigonometric integrals. | Calculus | | ME-C3 | Differential Equations | Calculus | First-order differential equations and applied models. | Calculus | | ME-S1 | The Binomial Distribution | Statistical Analysis | Binomial probabilities, expectation and approximations. | Statistical Analysis | | ME-A1 | Working with Combinatorics | Combinatorics | Permutations, combinations, counting and the binomial theorem. | Combinatorics |
Mathematics Extension 2 content lookup
| Content code | Focus area | Topic area | What it covers | Topic page | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | MEX-P1 | The Nature of Proof | Proof | Direct, contradiction, contrapositive and counterexample arguments. | Proof | | MEX-P2 | Further Proof by Mathematical Induction | Proof | Induction for sequences, inequalities and identities. | Proof | | MEX-V1 | Vectors in Three Dimensions | Vectors | Three-dimensional vectors, lines, planes and geometric problems. | Vectors | | MEX-N1 | Introduction to Complex Numbers | Complex Numbers | Arithmetic, Argand diagrams, modulus and argument. | Complex Numbers | | MEX-N2 | Using Complex Numbers | Complex Numbers | De Moivre's theorem, roots and trigonometric proofs. | Complex Numbers | | MEX-C1 | Further Integration | Calculus | Trigonometric substitution, partial fractions and integration by parts. | Calculus | | MEX-C2 | Applications of Integration | Calculus | Volumes of revolution, arc length and surface-area integrals. | Calculus | | MEX-M1 | Applications of Calculus to Mechanics | Mechanics | Rectilinear and projectile motion, simple harmonic motion and resistance. | Mechanics |
Official 2024 syllabus pages: Mathematics Standard, Mathematics Advanced, Mathematics Extension 1, and Mathematics Extension 2. For the 2026 HSC cohort, use the 2017 syllabus pages linked from the NESA mathematics syllabus directory.
2017 syllabus outcomes for the 2026 HSC
These are the formal Year 12 outcomes for students sitting the 2026 HSC. The descriptions below are concise paraphrases checked against NESA's official 2017 syllabus documents for Mathematics Standard, Mathematics Advanced, Mathematics Extension 1, and Mathematics Extension 2.
The topic links in these tables are navigation aids to the closest curriq practice area. They are not one-to-one mappings between a formal outcome and a curriq topic.
Mathematics Standard 2
| Code | Concise verified description | Topic area | Closest curriq topic link | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | MS2-12-1 | Critically constructs and evaluates arguments using detailed algebraic and graphical techniques. | Algebra and reasoning | Algebra | | MS2-12-2 | Analyses data representations to make inferences, predictions and conclusions. | Statistical analysis | Statistical Analysis | | MS2-12-3 | Interprets measurements and calculations, including accuracy and unit conversions, and judges reasonableness. | Measurement | Measurement | | MS2-12-4 | Analyses two- and three-dimensional models to solve practical problems. | Measurement | Measurement | | MS2-12-5 | Makes informed financial decisions involving annuities and loan repayments. | Financial mathematics | Financial Mathematics | | MS2-12-6 | Solves problems by representing changing quantities algebraically and graphically. | Algebra and modelling | Algebra | | MS2-12-7 | Uses statistical processes, including normal distributions and bivariate correlation, to solve problems. | Statistical analysis | Statistical Analysis | | MS2-12-8 | Uses networks to model decision-making and solve practical problems. | Networks | Networks | | MS2-12-9 | Selects technology appropriately and applies critical judgement to its use. | Working mathematically | Algebra | | MS2-12-10 | Evaluates conclusions with mathematical reasoning and clearly justifies a response. | Working mathematically | Algebra |
Mathematics Advanced
| Code | Concise verified description | Topic area | Closest curriq topic link | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | MA12-1 | Critically constructs, models and evaluates arguments using detailed algebraic and graphical techniques. | Functions and reasoning | Functions | | MA12-2 | Uses mathematical reasoning and techniques to model financial situations and make informed decisions. | Financial mathematics | Financial Mathematics | | MA12-3 | Applies calculus techniques to model and solve problems. | Calculus | Calculus | | MA12-4 | Applies arithmetic and geometric sequences and series to solve problems. | Sequences and series | Functions | | MA12-5 | Applies periodic-function techniques to problems involving trigonometric graphs. | Trigonometry | Trigonometry | | MA12-6 | Selects and applies suitable differentiation methods to solve problems. | Differential calculus | Calculus | | MA12-7 | Applies indefinite- and definite-integral techniques to solve problems. | Integral calculus | Calculus | | MA12-8 | Solves problems using appropriate statistical processes. | Statistical analysis | Statistical Analysis | | MA12-9 | Selects technology appropriately for modelling and problem-solving and judges when to use it. | Working mathematically | Functions | | MA12-10 | Constructs proofs and arguments, justifying results and context-appropriate conclusions. | Proof and reasoning | Functions |
Mathematics Extension 1
| Code | Concise verified description | Topic area | Closest curriq topic link | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | ME12-1 | Applies proof or calculus techniques to model and solve problems. | Proof and calculus | Proof | | ME12-2 | Applies vector and projectile concepts and techniques to solve problems. | Vectors and projectiles | Vectors | | ME12-3 | Uses advanced compound-angle techniques and solves trigonometric equations. | Trigonometry | Trigonometry | | ME12-4 | Uses calculus in applied problems, including differential equations and volumes of revolution. | Calculus | Calculus | | ME12-5 | Applies statistical processes to present, analyse and interpret data. | Statistical analysis | Statistical Analysis | | ME12-6 | Selects and uses suitable technology to solve problems in varied contexts. | Working mathematically | Functions | | ME12-7 | Evaluates and justifies conclusions using appropriate mathematical communication. | Proof and reasoning | Proof |
Mathematics Extension 2
| Code | Concise verified description | Topic area | Closest curriq topic link | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | MEX12-1 | Uses representations of numbers and functions to model, prove results and solve problems. | Numbers and functions | Complex Numbers | | MEX12-2 | Selects suitable strategies to construct arguments and proofs in practical and abstract settings. | Proof | Proof | | MEX12-3 | Uses vectors to model and solve two- and three-dimensional problems. | Vectors | Vectors | | MEX12-4 | Connects algebraic and geometric complex-number representations to prove, model and solve. | Complex numbers | Complex Numbers | | MEX12-5 | Applies integration techniques to structured and unstructured problems. | Calculus | Calculus | | MEX12-6 | Uses mechanics to model and solve practical problems. | Mechanics | Mechanics | | MEX12-7 | Applies mathematical techniques and concepts to structured, unstructured and multistep problems. | Mathematical modelling | Calculus | | MEX12-8 | Communicates and justifies abstract ideas with suitable notation, language and logical argument. | Proof and reasoning | Proof |
2024 syllabus outcomes for the 2027 HSC
These are the formal Year 12 outcomes for the 2024 syllabuses, first examined at the HSC in 2027. The descriptions are concise paraphrases of the official NSW Curriculum outcome pages for Mathematics Standard, Mathematics Advanced, Mathematics Extension 1, and Mathematics Extension 2.
Again, the closest-topic links are navigation aids for finding practice. They are not one-to-one formal mappings, and the common Working mathematically outcome applies across these courses.
Common Working mathematically outcome
| Code | Concise verified description | Topic area | Closest curriq topic link | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | MAO-WM-01 | Builds fluency by connecting concepts, selecting techniques, solving problems and communicating reasoning clearly. | Working mathematically | Advanced Functions |
Mathematics Standard 2
| Code | Concise verified description | Topic area | Closest curriq topic link | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | MST-12-S2-01 | Represents relationships algebraically and graphically to solve and predict in practical contexts. | Algebra and modelling | Algebra | | MST-12-S2-02 | Models financial situations involving interest, depreciation and borrowing. | Financial mathematics | Financial Mathematics | | MST-12-S2-03 | Solves financial problems involving annuities. | Financial mathematics | Financial Mathematics | | MST-12-S2-04 | Applies trigonometry to right-angled and non-right-angled triangle problems. | Measurement and trigonometry | Measurement | | MST-12-S2-05 | Solves practical ratio and rate problems. | Measurement | Measurement | | MST-12-S2-06 | Uses network-flow concepts to model decisions and solve practical problems. | Networks | Networks | | MST-12-S2-07 | Uses critical path analysis to model decisions and solve practical problems. | Networks | Networks | | MST-12-S2-08 | Analyses bivariate datasets with statistical processes. | Statistical analysis | Statistical Analysis | | MST-12-S2-09 | Models and calculates probabilities for multistage events. | Probability | Statistical Analysis | | MST-12-S2-10 | Analyses normally distributed datasets with statistical processes. | Statistical analysis | Statistical Analysis |
Mathematics Advanced
| Code | Concise verified description | Topic area | Closest curriq topic link | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | MAV-12-01 | Uses algebraic and graphical methods to analyse trigonometric functions. | Trigonometry | Trigonometry | | MAV-12-02 | Models and solves practical problems using functions and their transformations. | Functions | Functions | | MAV-12-03 | Uses arithmetic and geometric sequences and series to model and solve. | Sequences and series | Functions | | MAV-12-04 | Selects and applies differentiation methods to solve problems. | Differential calculus | Calculus | | MAV-12-05 | Solves problems involving indefinite and definite integrals. | Integral calculus | Calculus | | MAV-12-06 | Applies calculus to graphs, optimisation, rates of change and straight-line motion. | Applications of calculus | Calculus | | MAV-12-07 | Solves problems with discrete distributions, continuous random variables and normal distributions. | Probability and statistics | Statistical Analysis | | MAV-12-08 | Models financial situations and solves them to support informed decisions. | Financial mathematics | Financial Mathematics |
Mathematics Extension 1
| Code | Concise verified description | Topic area | Closest curriq topic link | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | ME1-12-01 | Uses mathematical induction to prove results about sums and divisibility. | Proof | Proof | | ME1-12-02 | Operates with 2D and 3D vectors and applies 2D vectors to motion problems. | Vectors | Vectors | | ME1-12-03 | Solves problems involving inverse trigonometric functions. | Trigonometry | Trigonometry | | ME1-12-04 | Selects differentiation and integration techniques to solve problems. | Calculus | Calculus | | ME1-12-05 | Applies calculus to polynomials, rates, areas, volumes and differential equations. | Applications of calculus | Calculus | | ME1-12-06 | Solves problems involving binomial distributions, sample means and the central limit theorem. | Statistical analysis | Statistical Analysis |
Mathematics Extension 2
| Code | Concise verified description | Topic area | Closest curriq topic link | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | ME2-12-01 | Selects proof language, notation and methods to prove results. | Proof | Proof | | ME2-12-02 | Uses vectors to model lines and curves and prove geometric results. | Vectors | Vectors | | ME2-12-03 | Uses algebraic and geometric complex-number representations to prove, model and solve. | Complex numbers | Complex Numbers | | ME2-12-04 | Selects and uses integration techniques to solve problems. | Calculus | Calculus | | ME2-12-05 | Uses mechanics to model and solve practical problems. | Mechanics | Mechanics |
What Are NESA Outcome Codes?
Every learning outcome in an HSC Mathematics syllabus is assigned a specific code by the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA). Formal outcome codes depend on the course, syllabus version and year group. The shorter identifiers in curriq's lookup above identify focus-area content in the app and must not be copied onto a formal assessment notification as if they were NESA outcome codes.
Examples of curriq content identifiers across the four courses include:
- C1.2 — HSC Mathematics Advanced, Calculus, Differential Calculus
- MS-F1 — HSC Mathematics Standard 2, Financial Mathematics, Money Matters
- ME-P1 — HSC Mathematics Extension 1, Proof, Mathematical Induction
- MEX-N1 — HSC Mathematics Extension 2, Complex Numbers, Introduction to Complex Numbers
In the curriq registry, the letter prefix identifies the course or content area. In Advanced Mathematics, "C" is Calculus, "F" is Functions, "T" is Trigonometry, and "S" is Statistical Analysis.
NESA outcome codes, not curriq's content identifiers, are the correct unit for formal outcome mapping. Check the applicable official syllabus before finalising a school task because the 2017 and 2024 syllabuses use different outcome sets.
How to Map Outcome Codes to Assessments
When constructing a school assessment task, the formal outcomes from the applicable NESA syllabus provide a principled basis for scope and sequencing. Curriq's content labels can help find and group material, but they do not replace those outcomes.
The practical workflow requires four steps:
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Start from the formal outcome, not the broad topic. "Calculus" is too broad for an assessment notification. Open the syllabus used by your cohort and copy the relevant formal outcome code and wording.
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Use content labels to find candidate questions. A label such as C2.1 can narrow the curriq bank to anti-differentiation content, while ME-P1 narrows it to induction content. Then map each selected question to the applicable formal outcome.
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Review difficulty separately. Outcomes describe what students should know and do; performance band descriptions describe the quality of achievement across the course. Use both sources when reviewing a paper, without assuming that each content label has its own Band descriptor.
Why Outcome Coverage Outperforms Topic Coverage
Teachers track which topics they have taught. A spreadsheet shows "Calculus — done." However, topic coverage and outcome coverage measure entirely different things.
A class that has completed calculus may have strong exposure to the C1.2 differentiation content label and weak exposure to the C1.3 applications label. The topic box is ticked, but an optimisation question can still expose the gap.
Tracking formal outcomes alongside content identifiers reveals which types of reasoning students have and have not been assessed on. For each part of the map, ask:
- Has the class been taught the formal outcome and each relevant content focus?
- Has it been formally assessed on paper?
- What does the mark distribution look like for the outcome and content focus across the class?
If 70% of the class drops marks on questions tagged C1.3, that is a useful content-level diagnostic. It suggests a weakness in applications rather than a general weakness in calculus; the teacher can then relate that evidence back to the applicable formal outcome.
Track Outcome and Content Coverage With curriq
Questions in curriq's current registry are tagged with the content identifiers shown in the lookup tables. When generating a worksheet or exam, those labels let you target a narrower focus area than a broad topic.
For example, content-level reporting can separate performance on questions tagged C1.2 from questions tagged C1.3 rather than showing only one calculus total. Teachers should maintain the corresponding formal NESA outcome mapping in their assessment documentation.
Used carefully, a coverage view can show which content areas have received marks and where a class performs below expectation. It should be checked against the applicable official outcome list before making compliance decisions.
If you are designing a Year 12 assessment program and need to build in systematic outcome coverage, join the curriq waitlist and we will reach out when your school's access is ready.
If you need a planning scaffold that maps outcomes to weeks and assessment points, use the HSC maths teaching program template.
FAQ
What does the prefix in a NESA outcome code mean?
The meaning depends on the syllabus version. Formal codes identify the course and year, such as MS2-12 in the 2017 Standard 2 syllabus. Short labels such as C1.2 and MS-F1 in the tables above are curriq content identifiers, not formal outcome prefixes.
Where can I find the official NESA outcome codes for my course?
You can find the official outcome codes in the syllabus documents for your specific mathematics course on the NESA website. They are listed alongside the content requirements for each module.
How do I use outcome codes to differentiate assessment tasks?
Map each question to a formal outcome, then review the task's demand, context, reasoning and communication requirements across the full paper. Use NESA performance band descriptions as separate course-level evidence rather than treating them as one-to-one labels for individual outcomes.