English Advanced
2 unit course
Course Description
English Advanced 11–12 provides students the opportunity to refine their understanding of the dynamic relationship between language, texts and meaning through critical study, and the skilful and creative use of language forms, language features, and structures of texts composed for different purposes in a range of contexts. Students develop the knowledge to question, reconsider and refine meaning through language, and to reflect on their own processes of responding, composing and learning.
What students learn
Through the study of English Advanced 11–12, students:
- Use clear written and verbal communication skills for a range of purposes and audiences
- Seek and evaluate information and arguments to inform their understanding of ideas
- Make inferences about the intention and meaning of language based on context
- Confidently express personal experiences and opinions and develop knowledge and skills as independent learners
(Source: NSW Curriculum, ‘Course Description’ for English Advanced 11-12)
What, if any, skills are needed?
- Year 10 English with results of 75% and above
- An enjoyment of English as a subject
- Skill in reading texts independently and analytically
- Commitment to wide reading and engagement with the paratext (context and other textual material) of prescribed texts
- Awareness of the ways in which texts are constructed and how these communicate meaning
- An accomplished ability to express ideas accurately and confidently in sustained and cohesive compositions
- A capacity to think critically about information and ideas, and a keen desire to develop informed personal responses to literature
- The ability to prioritise and organise time effectively for drafting, editing and re-drafting practices, including working with teachers and peers to craft writing
Course Focus Areas
| Year 11 English Advanced | Year 12 English Advanced |
|---|---|
|
Reading to Write: A Transition to English Advanced
|
Texts and Human Experiences
|
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Narratives that Shape Our World
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Textual Conversations
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A Critical Study of Literature
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Critical Study of Literature
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The Craft of Writing
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Beyond the Classroom: Other Learning Experiences
- Study days
- Plays, as appropriate and available
- Author talks
Text List
As this course is new in 2026, this information will not be available to students and families until the end of 2025.
In Year 12, students are required to closely study 4 prescribed texts, with at least ONE drawn from each of the following categories:
- Prose fiction
- Poetry
- Drama OR nonfiction OR film OR media.
At least ONE of the texts selected must be authored by Shakespeare.
Career Options
English Standard and Advanced both allow students to develop their control of language for university study and lifelong learning in their careers and lives in a global world.