English Studies
2 unit course
Course Description
English Studies 11–12 provides students the opportunity to explore the ideas, values, language forms, features and structures of texts from a range of 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.
Please note: student numbers will dictate if this course can run in 2026.
What students learn
Through the study of English Studies 11–12, students:
- Develop and use communication skills for a range of purposes and audiences
- Find information and perspectives that will inform their understanding of ideas
- Make inferences about the meaning of language based on context
- Express personal experiences and opinions and develop skills as independent learners.
(Source: NSW Curriculum, ‘Course Description’ for English Studies 11-12)
HSC Examination for English Studies Course
There is no compulsory HSC external examination in English Studies 11–12.
Students may choose to sit for an optional HSC examination if they are seeking an Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR). At CCAS, we firmly recommend that students seeking an ATAR choose either English Standard or English Advanced, as these courses better prepare students for tertiary study.Students who do not sit the optional HSC examination for English Studies 11–12 are not eligible for the calculation of an ATAR.
The English Studies HSC Examination comprises one written paper (2 hours plus 10 mins reading time).
What, if any, skills or attributes are needed?
- Willingness to participate in class discussions with maturity, and take responsibility for learning
- Literacy skills in reading, writing and comprehension
- Proactive efforts to seek help and clarification from the teacher
- Ability to follow structures and scaffolds provided to complete writing tasks
- Ability to discuss ideas that emerge from the study of a range of accessible texts.
Course Focus Areas
| Year 11 English Studies | Year 12 English Studies |
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Reading to write: Transition to English Studies
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Narrative and human experiences
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An additional 2-3 elective focus areas – TBC
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Writing for purpose
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2 elective focus areas – TBC
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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 Studies prepares students for the written and verbal communication they will do in their vocational lives.