English study is mandatory in NSW from Kindergarten to Year 12.
In English, students learn about the study and use of the English language in its various textual forms. These encompass spoken, written and visual texts through which meaning is shaped, conveyed, interpreted and reflected. Complexity increases as students progress through their schooling.
Developing proficiency in English enables students to take their place as confident communicators; critical and imaginative thinkers; lifelong learners; and informed, active participants in Australian society. Their understanding of English through knowledge and skills acquisition is essential to their intellectual, social and emotional development.
The study of English should develop a love of literature and learning and be challenging and enjoyable. It develops skills to enable students to experiment with ideas and expression, to become active, independent and lifelong learners, to work with each other and to reflect on their learning.
In Year 11 and 12, the study of English is mandatory. Courses offered include:
- English Extension 2
- English Extension 1
- English Advanced
- English Standard
- English Studies
- English as an Additional Language or Dialect (EAL/D)
- English Life Skills.
English Year 7/8
Proficiency in English enables students to take their place as confident, articulate communicators, critical and imaginative thinkers and active participants in society.
English involves the study and use of language in its various textual forms, encompassing written, spoken and visual text. Students in English experience a wide range of language activities and learn by using language. Learning occurs as students use language to speak, listen, read, write, view, observe and reflect upon the processes of their own learning.
Students will experience and respond to a wide range of texts – novel, short story, poetry, drama, non-fiction, film, media and multi-media. Australian literature is a particular focus of the syllabus.
Students will also have the opportunity to participate in a variety of enrichment activities including debating, public speaking, writing competitions, drama performances and excursions.
Assessment is based upon a class assessment program run in conjunction with formal assessment tasks across each year. Students will be assessed across all language modes (reading, writing, listening, speaking, viewing and representing).
English Year 9/10
English in Years 9 and 10 develops skills to enable students to experiment with ideas and expression and to become active, independent learners. Through responding to a wide variety of texts and composing their own texts, students learn about the power, value and strength of the English language for communication, knowledge and pleasure.
Students will experience and respond to a variety of styles of texts – novel, poetry, drama, non-fiction, film, media and multi-media. They will explore texts that include literature from both past and contemporary societies, developing skills to appreciate, question and challenge these texts. In their own composition students will develop skills in the creation of both imaginative and analytical texts.
Student achievement in Stage 5 will be based upon both class work and across form assessment tasks. Those students who perform at the highest level will be given the opportunity to apply for Advanced and Extension English in Year 11.
English in Stage 5 will prepare students to take their place as confident, articulate communicators, critical and imaginative thinkers and active participants in society.
English Year 11/12
English Studies
English Studies meets the needs of students who wish to complete and be awarded a HSC but who do not require an ATAR. The course is designed to support students in developing skills in English to improve their personal, social and working lives. Students will explore the ideas, language forms and features in a wide range of personal, social, cultural and workplace texts.
In the Preliminary and HSC English Standard Course students are required to complete two mandatory modules and a selection of elective modules (which are chosen by the course teacher to cater to the needs and interests of the students.)
Mandatory Modules
Preliminary: Achieving through English: English and the worlds of education, careers and community.
HSC: We are Australians: English in citizenship, community and cultural identity.
Elective Modules include:
- Telling us all about it – English and the media
- On the road - English and the experience of travel
- Digital worlds – English for the web
- Playing the game – English in sport
- In the marketplace – English and the world of business
- Part of the family – English and family life
- The big screen – English in film-making
English Standard
A common ‘Area of Study' is set for both Standard and Advanced English. This is based upon a concept, such as ‘Authority' and students are expected to read widely and make connections between the set class texts and texts of their own choosing.
Three electives are also selected for study. These may include the close study of text, the study of ‘image' or ‘dialogue' or a thematic study such as ‘The Institution and Personal Experience'. Each of these electives is based around the study of a set class text. Students are also expected to undertake their own wide reading to support their knowledge and understanding of the central concept of the elective.
In the Preliminary and HSC English Standard Course students are required to:
- study Australian and other texts
- study a range of texts from prose fiction, drama, poetry, non-fiction, film, media and multimedia texts
- undertake individual wide reading to support the texts and electives studied in class
- complete set tasks and develop skills in writing, reading, listening, speaking, viewing and representing
- develop skills in the analysis and integrated study of language and text
English Advanced
English Advanced is designed for students who have a particular interest and ability in this subject. The course offers students challenging opportunities to develop a critical and sophisticated understanding of the texts and issues studied.
A common ‘Area of Study' is set for both Advanced and Standard English. This is based upon a concept, such as ‘Authority' and students are expected to read widely and make connections between the set class texts and texts of their own choosing.
Three electives are also selected for study. These may include the critical study of a significant text, the transformation of text or a thematic unit such as ‘History and Memory'. Each elective is based upon the close study of set class texts. Students are also expected to undertake their own wide reading to support their knowledge and critical analysis of the central texts and their own appreciation of the central concept of the elective.
English Extension
The English Extension courses enable students who are accomplished, analytical and imaginative in their use of English to refine their understanding and appreciation of the cultural roles and significance of texts. The courses are designed for students to pursue a specialised study of English.
Through the close and critical analysis of set texts, students are encouraged to explore multiple meanings and the concept of the ‘value' of literature. Students refine their ability to explore connections between texts and draw sophisticated conclusions. English Extension also provides students with the opportunity to create their own extended creative compositions.
In the Preliminary year students:
- explore how and why texts are valued and adapted into other contexts. They consider why some texts may be considered as culturally significant.
- compose extended analytical and imaginative tasks
In the HSC English Extension 1 Course students:
- study set texts as well as engage in their own wide reading to support the study of the set elective
- compose extended analytical and imaginative tasks
In the HSC English Extension 2 Course students:
- complete a Major Work
- monitor and reflect upon their own process of composition through a reflection journal