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.
The study of English aims to develop students’ knowledge, understanding, appreciation and enjoyment of the English language and to develop their skills as effective communicators.
Stage 4 English - Years 7-8
- Students in Stage 4 English must read, listen to and view a variety of texts that are appropriate to their needs, interests and abilities. These texts include fiction, poetry, film, non-fiction and drama texts. Similarly, in each year students must study examples of spoken, print, visual and multi-media texts including texts drawn from radio, television, newspapers, the internet and CD-ROMS.
- The selection of texts will give students experience of Australian literature including those that give insight into Aboriginal and multicultural experiences in Australia, literature from other countries and times, picture books as well as everyday and workplace texts.
- In Stage 4, students will be assessed through several common assessment tasks as well as ongoing classwork. Participation and diligence in these tasks are vital to ensure the best outcome for students.
Stage 5 English - Years 9-10
- The Stage 5 English Course aims to consolidate skills which students have gained in Stage 4. The English course widens students’ experiences in functional and critical literacy as well as providing stimulating and enjoyable encounters with literature.
- Students study poetry, novels, short stories, plays and Shakespeare’s plays.
- Stage 5 students are expected to complete several common assessment tasks.
Stage 6 English - Years 11 & 12
English Studies
This course provides students with the opportunity to become more confident and effective communicators and to enjoy a breadth and variety of texts in English. Students explore the ideas, values, language forms, features and structures of texts in a range of personal, social, cultural and workplace contexts. English Studies is a content endorsed course and does not contribute to the calculation of an ATAR.
English Standard
In the Preliminary English (Standard) course, students learn about language and literature by exploring and experimenting with the ways events, experiences, ideas and processes are represented in and through texts. Students study a range of texts which include prose fiction, drama, poetry, non-fiction, film, media and/or multimedia, as well as Australian texts. In the HSC English (Standard) course, students further strengthen their knowledge and understanding of language and literature by reflecting on and demonstrating the effectiveness of texts for different audiences and purposes. Students study at least four types of prescribed texts drawn from prose fiction, drama, poetry, non-fiction, film, media and/or multimedia, and a wide range of additional related texts and textual forms.
English Advanced
In the Preliminary English (Advanced) course, students explore, examine and analyse a range of texts which include prose fiction, drama, poetry, nonfiction, film, media and/or multimedia, as well as Australian texts. They explore the ways events, experiences, ideas, values and processes are represented in and through texts and analyse the ways texts reflect different attitudes and values. In the HSC English (Advanced) course, students further strengthen their knowledge and understanding of language and literature by analysing and evaluating texts and the ways they are valued in their contexts. Students study at least five types of prescribed texts drawn from prose fiction, drama, poetry, nonfiction, film, media and/or multimedia, and a wide range of additional related texts and textual forms.
Read the Stage 6 Handbook for more information about the HSC English Standard, Advanced and Extension Courses.