Board Developed Course - 2 Units for each of Year 11 and Year 12                               

Exclusions:  English Advanced; English Standard; English EAL/D; Extension 1 & 2

Course description

This course is designed to meet the specific needs of students who wish to refine their skills and knowledge in English and consolidate their literacy skills. The English Studies course provides students with opportunities to become competent, confident and engaged communicators and to study and enjoy a breadth and variety of texts. Students explore the ideas, values, language forms, features and structures of texts in a range of personal, social, cultural, academic, community and workplace contexts. Through responding to and composing texts students strengthen their ability to access and comprehend information, assess its reliability, and synthesise the knowledge gained from a range of sources for a variety of purposes.

What students learn

Year 11 course

Students study the mandatory module, Achieving through English: English in education, work and community to develop an understanding of, and practical competence in, the use of language that allows access to opportunities in schooling, training and employment.

Students study two to four additional syllabus modules (selected based on their needs and interests).

Students may also study an optional teacher-developed module.

Year 12 course

The HSC Common Content consists of one module, Texts and Human Experiences, which is also common to the HSC Standard and the HSC Advanced courses where students analyse and explore texts and apply skills in synthesis.

Students study two to four additional syllabus modules (selected based on their needs and interests).

Students may also study an optional teacher-developed module.

Course requirements

Across the English Studies Stage 6 course students are required to study:

• texts which are widely regarded as quality literature, including a range of literary texts written about intercultural experiences and the peoples and cultures of Asia

• a range of Australian texts, including texts by Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander authors and those that give insights into diverse experiences of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Peoples

• texts with a wide range of cultural, social and gender perspectives

• a range of types of text drawn from prose fiction, drama, poetry, nonfiction, film, media and digital texts.

Year 11 course

Students are required to:

• read, view, listen to and compose a wide range of texts including print and multimodal texts

• study at least one substantial print text (for example a novel, biography or drama)

• study at least one substantial multimodal text (for example film or a television series)

• be involved in planning, research and presentation activities as part of one individual and/or collaborative project

• develop a portfolio of texts they have planned, drafted, edited and presented in written, graphic and/or electronic forms across all the modules undertaken during the year

• engage with the community through, for example visits, surveys, interviews, work experience, listening to guest speakers and/or excursions.

Year 12 course

Students are required to:

• read, view, listen to and compose a wide range of texts including print and multimodal texts

• study at least one substantial print text (for example a novel, biography or drama)

• study at least one substantial multimodal text (for example film or a television series)

• be involved in planning, research and presentation activities as part of one individual and/or collaborative project

• develop a portfolio of texts they have planned, drafted, edited and presented in written, graphic and/or electronic forms across all the modules undertaken during the year

• engage with the community through, for example visits, surveys, interviews, work experience, listening to guest speakers and/or excursions.

In addition, students in Year 12 only are required to:

• study ONE text from the prescribed text list and one related text for the Common Module – Texts and Human Experiences.

Industries related to English Studies

The knowledge and skills developed in this course can be applied across a range of career pathways.

Industries related to this course include, but are not limited to, the following outlined on the Your Career website:

• Arts and Recreation Services

• Education and Training

• Financial and Insurance Services

• Information Media and Telecommunications

• Rental, Hiring and Real Estate Services

Assessment: HSC course only