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11–12English Studies 11–12 Syllabus (2024)

Record of changes
Implementation from 2026
Expand for detailed implementation advice
OverviewRationaleAimOutcomesContentAssessmentGlossaryTeaching and learning support

Assessment

HSC examinations

There is no compulsory HSC external examination in English Studies 11–12. Students may choose to sit for an optional HSC examination.

Should a student seek an Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR), the examination mark for English Studies 11–12 will be used by the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) to calculate an ATAR. Students who do not sit the optional HSC examination for English Studies 11–12 are not eligible for the calculation of an ATAR.

The external HSC examination measures student achievement in a range of syllabus outcomes.

The external examination and its marking relate to the syllabus by:

  • providing clear links to syllabus outcomes
  • enabling students to demonstrate the levels of achievement outlined in the Performance Band Descriptions
  • applying marking guidelines based on criteria that relate to the quality of the response
  • aligning performance in the examination each year to the standards established for the course.

Examination questions may require students to integrate knowledge, understanding and skills developed through studying the course.

The Year 11 course is assumed knowledge for the Year 12 course.

Some students with disability may be eligible for HSC exam provisions when completing the HSC examination.

English Studies HSC examination specifications

Stage 6 - Year 12

The examination will consist of one written paper worth 60 marks.

Time allowed: 2 hours plus 10 minutes reading time.

The paper will consist of 3 sections.

Questions may be based on stimulus and/or unseen texts.

Section I: Narrative and human experiences (15 marks)

  • There will be 4 or 5 short answer items.
  • Items will be based on stimulus and/or unseen texts related to Narrative and human experiences.

Section II: Narrative and human experiences (15 marks)

  • There will be one item.
  • Students will be required to write an extended response based on their prescribed text.

Section III: Writing for purpose (30 marks)

  • There will be 2 or 3 items.
  • One item will be worth at least 15 marks.
  • Each item will require an informative, analytical, imaginative or persuasive response.
  • Items may require students to draw on their understanding of the prescribed texts.

HSC English Studies – annotated sample examination materials

Stage 6 - Year 12

Further information

Stage 6 - Year 12