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NSW Curriculum
NSW Education Standards Authority

11–12English Studies 11–12 Syllabus

Record of changes
Implementation from 2026
Expand for detailed implementation advice

Content

Year 11

Elective focus areas

The following elective focus areas can be selected for Year 11 or Year 12.

Elective F: Everyday heroes

Through the study of texts in this focus area, students develop an understanding of the positive contributions of individuals and groups in society. Students develop knowledge and skills to explore and research the life stories of individuals who have had a positive impact in their local community. To understand how communities can be formed and sustained by social and cultural relationships, students consider role models in the community and explore the qualities, behaviours and values these people exhibit. They identify individuals who have made a worthwhile contribution to the community and reflect on how their own experiences and identity are influenced by the lives and impacts of others.

Students engage with a range of literary and other texts that represent the challenges and successes of communities and the individuals living in them. They examine how texts such as feature articles, reality television, documentaries, short prose fiction, photography, artworks and digital texts can offer insights into the qualities, motivations and decisions of people striving to improve the lives of those around them. They also consider the effect these texts can have on communities, including affirmation of purpose and inspiration for change.

Understanding
  • The ways language forms and features are used to communicate ideas and shape meaning

  • Explicit and implicit meaning in texts

  • The ways mode and medium can influence language and structure

  • The ways that audience, purpose and context shape meaning in a variety of social, community and workplace texts

Responding
  • Compose a variety of texts that use language forms and features to present particular attitudes, values and perspectives

  • Compose critical texts that use appropriate evidence to support a clear point of view

  • Use complex sentences to communicate the relationship between ideas in a range of texts

  • Use appropriate textual forms and structures to communicate information and ideas

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