MFHS and the new Stage 6 English Syllabus: An overview of courses for implementation Year 11 2018 and Year 12 2019.

Standard & Advanced Year 11

Most students at MFHS and in the State undertake Standard English. English Standard is designed for students to increase their expertise in English and consolidate their English literacy skills in order to enhance their personal, social, educational and vocational lives. The students learn to respond to and compose a wide variety of texts in a range of situations in order to be effective, creative and confident communicators. Most students at MFHS and in the State undertake Standard English.  

Standard Year 11 Students engage with quality literature from the past and contemporary texts from Australia and other cultures. Shakespeare is not compulsory. They explore language forms, features and structures of texts in a range of academic, personal, social, historical, cultural and workplace contexts. Students study, analyse, respond to and compose texts to extend experience, access information and assess its reliability. They synthesise the knowledge gained from a range of sources to fulfil a variety of purposes.

So a Year 10 student considering Standard English: Enjoys the challenge of exploring and responding to a range of texts Has a sound appreciation of how textual features shape meaning in texts Has sound skills in analysis – is able to grasp conceptual ideas and explore and evaluate how these ideas are shaped by the composers of texts Is willing to work hard to build their skills in the composition of sustained (lengthy and complete) and analytical responses to texts Is willing to engage in the craft of writing to compose a range of texts of their own making for a variety of purposes and audiences

Standard Year 11

English Advanced is designed for students who have a particular and genuine interest and ability in the subject and who have a desire to engage with challenging learning experiences. At MFHS these student are usually identified and drawn from the pool of students who have excelled in the Gifted and Talented classes in Stage 4 and 5.

Advanced Year 11

A Year 10 student considering Advanced: Enjoys (and is passionate about) exploring and responding to a range of challenging texts and literary concepts. As the study of a Shakespearean text is compulsory in Year 12 Advanced, the Year 11 Advanced class will be required to study one of Shakespeare’s plays. Has a skilful appreciation of how textual features shape meaning in texts. Has developed thorough skills in analysis – is able to grasp conceptual ideas and explore and evaluate how these ideas are shaped by the composers of texts in particular contexts. Has thorough skills in the composition of sustained (lengthy and complete) and analytical responses to texts; is developing an effective academic register. Has a flair for creative composition and engages in the craft of writing to compose a range of texts of their own making for a variety of purposes and audiences.

Extension 1 English is designed for students who: Successfully undertake and complete Advanced English Are highly accomplished in their use of English Are independent and self directed learners Are keen to extend their use of language in creative and critical ways Can engage with increasingly complex concepts through a broad range of literature from a range of contexts Can refine their understanding and appreciation of cultural roles and the significance of texts Have an interest in literature and a desire to pursue specialised study in English

Requirements Year 11 Extension 1 – 1 unit, 60 hour course A mandatory module: Texts, Culture and Value At MFHS - A study of at least TWO substantial texts and TWO related texts Related research project

Undertake HSC English Extension 1 (a 1 unit, 60 hour course) Students who undertake and successfully complete preliminary English Extension 1 can: Undertake HSC English Extension 1 (a 1 unit, 60 hour course) Requirements: Common module: Literary Worlds: one elective option The study of at least THREE prescribed texts, including at least TWO extended print texts. Students are also required to study TWO related texts.

A Reflection Statement Documented coursework in a Major Work Journal In addition they can: Undertake English Extension 2 in Year 12 (a 1 unit, 60 hour course) Students undertake extensive independent investigation involving a range of complex texts to complete: A Major Work A Reflection Statement Documented coursework in a Major Work Journal So, a student gifted in English could undertake 4 units of English in the 2019 HSC.

English Studies Year 11

English Studies Year 12: Mandatory Common Module: Texts and the Human Experience An additional 2 – 4 modules to be studied

What is different from previous years?: Students who study English Studies may elect to undertake an optional HSC examination. The examination mark may be used by the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) to contribute to the student’s Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR). The academic rigour of the exam will not be equitable with that of the HSC English Standard exams but there will be a common component as ALL HSC students will be studying the mandatory common module – Texts and Human Experiences. (HSC exam specifications are currently in the consultation process) English Studies students, like the English Standard and Advanced students, will be required to study ONE text from the prescribed text list and one related text for this mandatory common module.

These optional modules include topics such as: We Are Australians(developing awareness of citizenship, community and cultural identity) On the Road (exploring the experience of travel) Digital Worlds: English and the Web (investigating web- based communication) Local Heroes (researching local issues and life stories and experiences of community members) The Way We Were (exploring the ways history is presented through texts) There are 14 modules to choose from!

The English Studies course is designed to provide students with opportunities to become competent, confident and engaged communicators and to study and enjoy a breadth and variety of texts in English. English Studies focuses on supporting students to refine their skills and knowledge in English and consolidate their English literacy skills to enhance their personal, educational, social and vocational lives.

The course centres on: the development of students’ language, literacy and literary skills. empowering students to respond to texts from a range of everyday, social, cultural, academic, community and workplace contexts. comprehensive and contemporary language experiences in the modes of reading, writing, speaking, listening, viewing and representing.

So a student who considers English Studies: Is pursuing a HSC but not necessarily an ATAR and university pathway immediately out of secondary school???????? Typically students at MFHS who undertake English Studies: Are undertaking VET courses – have vocational goals that do not require a university qualification Have found English a challenge in Stage 4 and 5 Were at risk of being N Awarded out of the Standard Course (issues with engagement or abilities) Understand that university may be a pathway later in life when they can enrol as a mature age student

In summary: Undertaking 2 units of English is compulsory for the accreditation of a HSC. There are three 2 unit courses available (Advanced, Standard and English Studies) and the Extension 1 course for students undertaking Advanced English. In selecting an English course, students need to realistically consider: their current performance in Year 10 English their goals beyond school their teacher’s advice