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11–12English Extension 11–12 Syllabus

Record of changes
Implementation from 2026
Expand for detailed implementation advice

Content

Year 12 – Extension 1

Literary worlds

Literary worlds are textual creations of imagination through which a complex relationship is established between author, reader and text. Literary worlds are the narrative representations of people and events; they transcend time and space, and offer depictions that are realistic or metaphoric, possible or fictional, public or private. Students engage with, interpret and experiment with the complex relationship between texts, authors, readers and contexts. They explore a range of short texts and extracts from larger works that construct literary worlds.

Students evaluate a range of texts that construct literary worlds. They deepen their understanding of the ideas and ways of thinking represented in texts and how these are shaped by textual forms and language features. Students consider aspects of personal, social, cultural and historical contexts in their responses to, and compositions of, literary worlds. They examine the ways literary worlds can affirm or challenge their own values and their assumptions about, and experiences of, the ways texts make meaning.

In their study of literary worlds, students experiment with critical and creative compositions. They communicate their understanding of the ways literary worlds are constructed to express complex ideas and emotions, motivations, attitudes, experiences and values. These compositions may be realised in various forms, modes and mediums.

Each elective in this focus area involves the study of THREE texts from the prescribed list, with at least TWO of these texts required to be extended print texts, which may include poetry.

Students are also required to study ONE related text for the elective.

Understanding
  • The aesthetic qualities of language and the ways they shape meaning and communicate values

  • Changing contexts and values, and how they influence the ways meaning is made

  • A range of critical perspectives that shape personal responses to complex texts

  • Social, historical and personal values in texts, and how they shape meaning and influence responses

Responding
  • Craft extended texts in a variety of modes and mediums to communicate an understanding of evolving literary conventions and genres

  • Craft original texts that experiment with and manipulate textual form and stylistic features to shape meaning and present informed perspectives

  • Craft sustained arguments that synthesise a range of critical perspectives about a text’s cultural assumptions and values, informed by analysis of textual evidence

  • Craft texts that reflect on stylistic and language choices to represent the complex relationship between texts, authors, readers and contexts

  • Use sophisticated and controlled language with clarity to express informed perspectives

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