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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 12

Close study of literature

Students develop knowledge, understanding and appreciation of a substantial literary text. Through their development of considered personal responses to the text, students explore and analyse the particular ideas and characteristics of the text and understand the ways in which these characteristics establish its distinctive qualities.

Students study ONE text chosen from the list of prescribed texts. They engage in an extensive exploration and interpretation of the text and the ways the author portrays people, ideas, settings and situations in the text. By analysing the interplay between the ideas, form and language within the text, students develop personal and intellectual connections with the text to appreciate how these elements may affect those responding to it.

Understanding
  • The ways texts influence and position readers

  • The ways textual forms, language and stylistic choices shape meaning

  • The ways mode and medium shape meaning and influence personal responses

  • The relationship between text and context

  • The ways texts conform to, or challenge, accepted conventions through their textual forms, language and stylistic choices

Responding
  • Compose texts that demonstrate their understanding of and appreciation for how language features, form and stylistic choices are effectively integrated to shape meaning and influence responses

  • Consider different interpretations of texts derived from a range of perspectives

  • Compose informed personal interpretations of a literary text, supported by close textual analysis

  • Compose logical, ordered and cohesive texts that build arguments in response to the ideas generated from a literary text

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