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11–12English Studies 11–12 Syllabus

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

Content

Year 12

Language, identity and culture

Language has the power to reflect and shape individual and collective identity. In this focus area, students consider how their responses to written, spoken, audio and visual texts shape their self-perception. They also consider the impact texts have in shaping individuals’ and communities’ sense of identity. Through understanding and responding to texts, students deepen their understanding of how language can affirm, ignore, challenge and disrupt prevailing assumptions and beliefs about themselves, individuals and culturally connected groups.

Students study ONE prescribed text in detail and a range of textual material to explore, analyse and assess the ways in which meaning about individual and community identity and cultural perspectives is shaped in and through texts.

Understanding

  • The ways personal, social, cultural and historical contexts shape meaning in texts

  • The ways specific language features and forms of texts influence perceptions of ourselves, other people and a range of cultural perspectives

  • The ways mode and medium shape meaning

  • The ways context and implicit cultural assumptions influence the perspectives and ideas of authors

  • The ways content shapes the social, moral and ethical positions represented in texts

Responding

  • Develop an understanding of the ways language features, text structures and stylistic choices shape points of view and influence audiences

  • Use information and ideas for a range of purposes including the development of sustained, evidence-based, logical and complex arguments

  • Develop an understanding of how different perspectives, attitudes and values can be represented in texts for meaning and purpose

  • Compose informed and cohesive interpretations of texts, supported by close textual analysis

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