English Extension
Year 11 English Extension: 1 unit
Year 12 English Extension 1: 1 unit
Year 12 English Extension 2: 1 unit
Course Description
English Extension 1 (1 unit) provides students with the opportunity to extend their use of language and self-expression in creative and critical ways. Students engage with increasingly complex concepts through a broad range of literature from different contexts. Through this, they refine their understanding and appreciation of the significance of texts, and the way that literature shapes and reflects the world.
English Extension 2 (1 unit, only available in Year 12) extends students’ conceptual understanding of the ways literature is read and written through their consideration of authorship and their authorial role. Students develop their understanding of the composition process to create a substantial and original Major work.
What students learn
Through the study of English Extension, students:
- Learn to use clear written and verbal communication for a range of purposes and audiences
- Interpret and evaluate information and arguments for clarity, precision and effectiveness
- Make inferences about intention and meaning of language based on contextual clues
- Explore using verbal and written language to confidently express personal experiences and opinions, and reflect on development of knowledge and skills as independent learners.
(Source: NSW Curriculum, ‘Course Description’ for English Extension 11-12)
How do the Extension Courses relate to the 2-unit English Courses?
English Advanced is a prerequisite to the study of the English Extension courses.The Year 11 English Extension Course is separate to English Advanced, with its own texts and focus areas that build upon English Advanced.
In Year 12, students who are undertaking English Advanced (2 units) and English Extension 1 (1 unit) can choose to undertake an additional English course, English Extension 2 (1 unit).
HSC Examinations for Extension English Courses
In Year 12, English Extension 1 students sit ONE external HSC Examination (in addition to Paper 1 and Paper 2 for English Advanced). The English Extension 1 Paper is 2 hours, plus 10 minutes reading time. It is conducted online (i.e., undertaken by students using a computer).
In Year 12, in addition to the submission of an externally assessed Major Work, English Extension 2 students sit ONE external HSC Examination (in addition to Paper 1 and Paper 2 for English Advanced, and the English Extension 1 online examination). The English Extension 2 Paper is 1 hour and 30 minutes, plus 10 minutes reading time. It is conducted online (i.e., undertaken by students using a computer).
What, if any, skills are needed?
- Year 10 English with results of 75% and above
- Strength in the skills listed for English Advanced, and a capacity to cope with additional English coursework
- High levels of motivation and the ability to work autonomously
- Willingness to craft work, commitment to the drafting process, and openness to constructive feedback
- Ability to engage in wide extended reading, including rigorous independent research of challenging texts and theories
- Awareness and appreciation of the diversity of ideas, attitudes and perspectives evident in texts along with an understanding of how texts construct worlds that can offer new insights
Course Focus Areas
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Texts, Culture and Value
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Literary Worlds
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Author and authority
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Independent Research Project
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One elective option - TBC
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Major Work
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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.
Career Options
English Extension 1 is designed for students with an interest in literature and a desire to pursue a specialised study of English.
English Extension 2 is designed for students who are independent learners with an interest in literature and a desire to pursue a specialised study of English.
In addition, students who undertake the Extension English courses would be suited to careers that involve critical and creative thinking, research and/or peer review processes, and sustained writing.