HSC English Courses: What Are Your Options?
In NSW, studying an English course is compulsory if you want to achieve your HSC. While you can drop subjects like Science, History, or even Mathematics, English remains a core requirement.
So, what are your options?
You must choose one of the following four HSC English courses:
- English Studies
- English Standard
- English Advanced
- English as an Additional Language or Dialect (EAL/D)
Note: The EAL/D course is specifically for students who have studied the English language for less than five years. If this does not apply to you, your options narrow to three.
Looking to challenge yourself?
If you select English Advanced, you’ll have the opportunity to take on two additional one-unit subjects:
- English Extension 1
- English Extension 2
These subjects are studied alongside English Advanced and provide an excellent opportunity to dive deeper into the world of literature and critical analysis.
Let’s look through all your HSC English course options and consider the pros and cons.
1. English Studies
This course has a focus on reinforcing your reading and writing skills so you can transition confidently into life after the HSC. This course is the most grounded, aiming to connect what you are learning to the world beyond the classroom.
Pros
- Thought to be the easiest of the options, and a good choice if you have found English difficult and want to attain an HSC.
- The texts and topics are often engaging and have practical applications. For example, the mandatory Year 11 module, Achieving through English: English in education, work and community, often includes resume writing.
- The examination is optional. If you don’t want an ATAR, there is no need to sit an English exam.
- There are often smaller class sizes, with more personalised support.*
Cons
- If you want an ATAR, then the examination is 2 hours and 30 minutes long, plus 10 minutes reading time. This is a significant length of time for a HSC English exam. A tutor can help with exam strategies so you can feel confident in the exam room. Some schools require their students to sit the exam.*
- If you do not want to sit the examination, UAC will not allocate you an ATAR, and your pathways to university will be limited.
- This is perceived as the easiest English course, so consider your skill level before you enrol. Get feedback from your teachers and a tutor to ensure you are in the right course.
- Your school may require a discussion between teachers and guardians to enrol you in this course.*
2. English Standard
The Standard English course involves the study of accessible texts to develop you into an effective, creative and confident writer.
Pros
- The texts are often easier to read, and the course involves a combination of literary and everyday texts. Some popular examples include the film The Castle, a collection of Henry Lawson short stories, the novel The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time, and the film The Truman Show.
- It is likely that you will not study a dense text, such as a Shakespeare play.*
- You will not be met with the challenge of studying more than one dense text in a unit, unlike the Advanced course.
Cons
- It can be difficult to stand out with insightful analysis when you are studying accessible texts. A tutor can help you unearth the hidden gems and stand out.
- You will sit two HSC English Standard examinations which are the same length as the Advanced English HSC paper. As a result, there is a similar demand on you in the HSC for both the Standard and Advanced course. A tutor can help you with exam strategies so you can show what you’re made of.
3. English Advanced
A literature course that challenges you to become a critical and sophisticated reader and writer.
Pros
- The skills you develop in Advanced English can set you up well for future study, especially if you hope to enrol in a university course that will require essay writing.
- The texts are full of literary devices with which you can stand out and demonstrate insightful analysis.
- A prerequisite for studying Extension English 1 and 2, which may allow you to explore your love of literature even further.
Cons
- Demanding and challenging texts in the prescriptions list require effort to understand, consider seeking support from a tutor when texts get tough.
- You are required to study a Shakespeare text in your HSC year, consider seeking out the support of a tutor to decode his language.
- You will have the challenge of more than one significant text to study in Module A, Textual Conversations. You will need to juggle these two texts in one essay.
- You will sit two HSC Advanced English examinations. A tutor can help you with exam strategies so you can think on your feet and demonstrate insightful analysis.
4. English Extension 1
This literature course presents you with some iconic works and rewards those who demonstrate outstanding written expression and unique critical insights. Note that this course does not replace Advanced English, they must be studied concurrently.
Pros
- You get to read and study more literature! If that’s your thing, this course is for you.
- The demands of Extension English will develop your literacy skills further, improving your written expression across the board.
Cons
- This subject is often taught ‘offline,’ meaning that the classes could run outside normal timetabled hours (such as in the morning, over a lunchtime, or after school).*
- All Extension courses are challenging. They require the commitment of any other subject with less class time. Consider tutoring as a way to ensure you get the support you need.
5. English Extension 2
This course centres on a Major Work that is based on extensive research and a long writing and editing journey.
Pros
- Ideal for aspiring writers, as the course centres on creating a Major Work.
- The course provides a deadline and external motivation, so by the end of the year you'll have produced a piece that makes you proud.
Cons
- This course will require you to be independent and motivated. Teachers will often meet with Extension 2 students in a mentor role.* If you want to do the course but know this could be your Achilles’ heel, get a tutor! They can help motivate you and be your cheerleader while providing key personalised feedback.
*These are generalisations. Always talk to an expert to find out whether this would apply to you.
How to Choose the Right HSC English Course for You
Do you enjoy English or find it a stressful addition to your timetable? Make sure you consider your interests and skills when selecting subjects for your final years at school.
Consider which experts you can ask for guidance too. Do you have a teacher in your school who you can ask which subject you should study? Alternatively, seek guidance from your school’s Head of English Department or get reassurance by asking and working with a tutor.
For more information on HSC subject selection, visit the NESA subject selection guide.
FAQs
1. What is the difference between English Standard and Advanced?
English Standard focuses on accessible texts and everyday writing, while Advanced involves more complex texts, literary devices, and critical analysis.
2. Can I get an ATAR without sitting the English exam?
No, if you opt out of the English exam in English Studies, UAC will not allocate you an ATAR.
3. Is English Advanced much harder than Standard?
English Advanced involves more challenging texts and critical analysis, but it also offers opportunities to stand out academically.
4. Do I need a tutor for HSC English?
A tutor can help clarify difficult concepts, improve writing skills, and build confidence, especially for challenging courses like Advanced and Extension English.
Conclusion
All HSC English courses come with their challenges, so make sure you get the support you need to feel confident in your choice. Learnmate’s tutors are easily accessible and provide personalised support. Reach out today and take the first step towards mastering your HSC English course!
Ready to excel in your HSC English course? Connect with an HSC English tutor on Learnmate today!
