This week students return to schools and the academic year begins again.

For English, History, Mathematics and Science teachers – plus all primary teachers – the three year implementation of the new syllabuses starts. I know many of you are planning for this already. Over 43,000 teachers have registered with the online teaching tool Program Builder and have developed over 31,000 programs and nearly 235,000 units of work for their classes. This is a great result and a real vote of confidence in Program Builder.

BOSTES is also – as it does every year – conducting a review of the HSC exams process. With over 75,000 students in 760 exam centres reading over 14 million pages of exam questions and completing two million writing books for 117 exams this is an immense logistical exercise, and we look every year for opportunities to make improvements.

At BOSTES itself we are currently integrating the operations of the former Board of Studies and NSW Institute of Teachers. As we settle into our new structure, our aim as much as possible is to keep the same contacts in place with the same phone number and emails. Where there is change we will work to make it as seamless as possible.

BOSTES is also developing a new website. We have a number of existing websites which are essential sources of information for schools, teachers and students so we are managing this development in a methodical and considered way.

While 2014 will be a year of change, BOSTES will make every effort to assist and support schools, students and parents, and listen and respond to your feedback as we work through each initiative and issue.

Over the year many of you will come into contact with BOSTES – this could be a visit from one of the Inspectors, a session with a Liaison Officer, dealing with our Student Records and Student Services team, updating student details online, advice about achieving or maintaining teacher accreditation or submitting Teacher Accreditation Reports for your organisation or school. We value your contributions, and our aspiration is to provide you with the timely and quality advice and information you need to excel.

Carol Taylor
Chief Executive