hawkrider
all class
- Joined
- Jul 15, 2013
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Hi guys,
So I don't know if this has been done before, but I wanted to post something for the incoming Year 11's, in particular choosing what English course you want to do. Hopefully this will give you an idea on what level of English suits you. Note that this is based on my personal experience, the research conducted and also looking into depth at the syllabus.
Introduction
There are essentially 5 levels of English:
1. English as a Second Language (ESL)
2. Standard English
3. Advanced English
4. English Extension 1
5. English Extension 2
English as a Second Language (ESL)
Syllabus
This course is for any student who has (a)been in an overseas school OR (b) been in an Australian school (where English was the teaching language) for 5 years or less.
What it involves?
You do the same Area of Study as everyone else, but the exam is different to the Standard/Advanced English AOS. Namely, you only have unseen texts for analysis and an essay response (i.e. no creative writing section). You also study TWO prescribed texts (not one) for the AOS.
You then do TWO Modules (A and B) which are specific to the ESL syllabus:
Why do it?
Most ESL students don’t really have a 'choice' to do ESL – in that, their English level is not high enough for them to consider Standard/Advanced English. However, for some students, their English is actually better than most Standard and some Advanced English students! I assisted a student like this and wondered why they didn’t just do Advanced English. However, they excelled in ESL and attained a high ATAR. So, really, there is no incentive to join Advanced English (particularly as they were ranking 1st in their school for ESL).
ESL also suits students, who are not interested in the 'literature'-style studies of English. In particular, Module B is an example of the practicality of the ESL syllabus which focuses more on English as used in life rather than in prose and poems.
Standard English
Syllabus
This course is for “students to become proficient in English to enhance their personal, social and vocational lives. These courses provide students with the opportunity to become confident and effective communicators and to enjoy the breadth and variety of English texts.”
What it involves?
You do the Area of Study, which is the same exam for Advanced English. Then you do THREE Modules (A, B and C) which are specific to the Standard English syllabus.
In total, you study 4 prescribed texts (1 for AOS, 1 for Mod A, 1 for Mod B, 1 for Mod C). You need related texts for AOS, Mod A and Mod C.
Why do it?
Whilst I recommend doing Advanced English over Standard English (see below), I have had some students who clearly can only do Standard English. This may be you if:
Advanced English
Syllabus
This course is for “students to become critical and sophisticated users of English in order to enhance their personal, social and vocational lives. These courses provide students who have a particular interest and ability in the subject with challenging learning experiences and opportunities to enjoy the breadth and variety of English texts…”
What it involves?
You do the Area of Study, which is the same exam for Standard English. Then you do THREE Modules (A, B and C) which are specific to the Advanced English syllabus.
In total, you study 5 prescribed texts (1 for AOS, 2 for Mod A, 1 for Mod B, 1 for Mod C). You need related texts for AOS and Mod C.
Why do it?
If you are given the choice between Standard English and Advanced English, choose Advanced. Usually, your teacher will be able to tell you whether you are good enough to do Advanced and if given the opportunity, I strongly recommend that you take it for the following reasons:
English Extension 1
Syllabus
This course is for – “students who are accomplished, analytical and imaginative in their use of English to refine their understanding and appreciation of the cultural roles and significance of texts. The courses are designed for students with a desire to pursue a specialised study of English.”
What it involves?
You choose to study 1 Module (A, B, or C) and within that only 1 Elective. Unlike ESL, Standard and Advanced, there is only ONE exam. The exam requires you to write 1 creative and 1 essay response (25 marks each) for that 1 Module-Elective.
This is of course in addition to the Advanced English content and exams (ie, you will do 3 English exams: AOS, Advanced Modules, Extension 1).
You study 3 prescribed texts. You ultimately choose 2 prescribed texts and 2 related texts for your essay response.
Why do it?
In comparison to 2 Unit English (Standard or Advanced), Extension 1 isn’t actually that much harder. In fact, those who did the course found it easier! You only have ONE Module-Elective (compared to the AOS and Modules A, B and C in 2 Unit). Essentially, you only have to prepare/study ONE creative and ONE essay (compared to ONE creative, FOUR essays in 2 Unit). So, no, I would not say it is particularly time consuming or difficult. With the whole year spent on the same Module-Elective, you actually understand it in a lot more depth and have the opportunity to improve.
You should do Extension 1, if you are good at Advanced English and are interested in doing more of the same (except a bit more challenging/interesting).
An added benefit is that doing Extension 1 is likely to improve your Advanced English marks – simply by further practising your English skills.
English Extension 2
Syllabus
This course lets “students develop a sustained composition, and document and reflect on this process“.
What it involves?
You independently develop a Major Work in a particular area that you are interested in. This can be creative, critical, personal etc. You can use any medium, such as prose, poetry, web, essay etc.
You document your progress in a journal, which is submitted with your Major Work.
This is again, all in addition to Advanced English and Extension 1 (ie, you will have 3 English exams and 1 Major Work due in total).
Why do it?
Only do Extension 2 if you are interested in creating a Major Work. Although only 1 Unit, this subject takes a lot of time and effort – you really need the interest and passion to keep going. You need to be interested in writing and creating an English Major Work, and be able to do the necessary research to support it. It's also noted that everyone's MW varies by length and that you also need to write a reflection statement. It is handed in and completed in August, so then you don't have to worry lingering around actual HSC time.
The English Standard and Advanced Dilemma
Deciding whether to take Standard or Advanced English is one of the hardest decision to make.
English Standard AND Advanced are scaled in the exact same way. When someone says "Don't do standard because it has very poor scaling", it is ENTIRELY wrong.
If 2 identical RAW marks in Standard English and Advanced English will scale to the same scaled mark.
Standard and Advanced English are scaled as one course despite what others say.
But now you will ask "Why is it on the list of scaled means, Advanced and Standard english are different when you said they are scaled the same?"
The answer to this is simple. They are reported separately. i.e. They combine the candidature of English Standard and Advanced and scale it as a single subject, they are then separated and the scaled mean is determined and reported. It just so happens the scaled mean of Standard is typically lower than Advanced. This doesn't mean it scaled any better or worse than Advanced.
Is it possible to get a band 6 in Standard English?
Yes it is very much possible. Most teachers and students would say the board of studies doesn't allow students to get band 6. This is untrue, and has been proved in 2013 where 0.41% attained a band 6.
But why so little people? It just so happens the students undertaking Standard aren't academically strong enough to attain that band.
FAQ
I'm confused with the notion that your best 2 units of English has to count. What does that mean?
The reason why your best 2 units of English has to count is because the subject is compulsory to do. Because of this, it is imperative that you do really well in the course if you want to get a great ATAR. It is also worth noting that if you do 4U only the extensions may count if you are doing 12 units.
What's the Area of Study?
The Area of Study provides a structure through which students explore how texts, context and experience shape the understanding of a concept. An assumption underlying the Area of Study is that students come to understand ideas through their own experience and through the texts they compose and to which they respond. This understanding, in turn, affects perceptions of self and the world providing students with the contexts from which they explore and come to conclusions about the process of meaning.
So I don't know if this has been done before, but I wanted to post something for the incoming Year 11's, in particular choosing what English course you want to do. Hopefully this will give you an idea on what level of English suits you. Note that this is based on my personal experience, the research conducted and also looking into depth at the syllabus.
Introduction
There are essentially 5 levels of English:
1. English as a Second Language (ESL)
2. Standard English
3. Advanced English
4. English Extension 1
5. English Extension 2
English as a Second Language (ESL)
Syllabus
This course is for any student who has (a)been in an overseas school OR (b) been in an Australian school (where English was the teaching language) for 5 years or less.
What it involves?
You do the same Area of Study as everyone else, but the exam is different to the Standard/Advanced English AOS. Namely, you only have unseen texts for analysis and an essay response (i.e. no creative writing section). You also study TWO prescribed texts (not one) for the AOS.
You then do TWO Modules (A and B) which are specific to the ESL syllabus:
- Module A: you study Australian voices/visions in texts
- Module B: you study texts in real-life situations, such as reports, letters, applications
Why do it?
Most ESL students don’t really have a 'choice' to do ESL – in that, their English level is not high enough for them to consider Standard/Advanced English. However, for some students, their English is actually better than most Standard and some Advanced English students! I assisted a student like this and wondered why they didn’t just do Advanced English. However, they excelled in ESL and attained a high ATAR. So, really, there is no incentive to join Advanced English (particularly as they were ranking 1st in their school for ESL).
ESL also suits students, who are not interested in the 'literature'-style studies of English. In particular, Module B is an example of the practicality of the ESL syllabus which focuses more on English as used in life rather than in prose and poems.
Standard English
Syllabus
This course is for “students to become proficient in English to enhance their personal, social and vocational lives. These courses provide students with the opportunity to become confident and effective communicators and to enjoy the breadth and variety of English texts.”
What it involves?
You do the Area of Study, which is the same exam for Advanced English. Then you do THREE Modules (A, B and C) which are specific to the Standard English syllabus.
- Mod A: you study how composers create unique voices or visions in their texts
- Mod B: you study one text in detail, focusing on its unique features
- Mod C: you study texts in relation to a particular topic (similar to the AOS)
In total, you study 4 prescribed texts (1 for AOS, 1 for Mod A, 1 for Mod B, 1 for Mod C). You need related texts for AOS, Mod A and Mod C.
Why do it?
Whilst I recommend doing Advanced English over Standard English (see below), I have had some students who clearly can only do Standard English. This may be you if:
- You hate English
- You have trouble with spelling and sentence construction
- You have no idea how to write an essay
Advanced English
Syllabus
This course is for “students to become critical and sophisticated users of English in order to enhance their personal, social and vocational lives. These courses provide students who have a particular interest and ability in the subject with challenging learning experiences and opportunities to enjoy the breadth and variety of English texts…”
What it involves?
You do the Area of Study, which is the same exam for Standard English. Then you do THREE Modules (A, B and C) which are specific to the Advanced English syllabus.
- Mod A: you compare compare texts
- Mod B: you study one text in detail and critically, focusing on your own interpretation
- Mod C: you study how representation affects meaning
In total, you study 5 prescribed texts (1 for AOS, 2 for Mod A, 1 for Mod B, 1 for Mod C). You need related texts for AOS and Mod C.
Why do it?
If you are given the choice between Standard English and Advanced English, choose Advanced. Usually, your teacher will be able to tell you whether you are good enough to do Advanced and if given the opportunity, I strongly recommend that you take it for the following reasons:
- Advanced English takes the same amount of time/work as Standard English (it is not necessarily harder)
- In Advanced English, you are more likely to get better through simply osmosis (surrounded by other, smarter Advanced English students)
- In Advanced English, teachers tend to push and challenge you to get better marks (rather than catering to the lowest denominator)
English Extension 1
Syllabus
This course is for – “students who are accomplished, analytical and imaginative in their use of English to refine their understanding and appreciation of the cultural roles and significance of texts. The courses are designed for students with a desire to pursue a specialised study of English.”
What it involves?
You choose to study 1 Module (A, B, or C) and within that only 1 Elective. Unlike ESL, Standard and Advanced, there is only ONE exam. The exam requires you to write 1 creative and 1 essay response (25 marks each) for that 1 Module-Elective.
This is of course in addition to the Advanced English content and exams (ie, you will do 3 English exams: AOS, Advanced Modules, Extension 1).
You study 3 prescribed texts. You ultimately choose 2 prescribed texts and 2 related texts for your essay response.
Why do it?
In comparison to 2 Unit English (Standard or Advanced), Extension 1 isn’t actually that much harder. In fact, those who did the course found it easier! You only have ONE Module-Elective (compared to the AOS and Modules A, B and C in 2 Unit). Essentially, you only have to prepare/study ONE creative and ONE essay (compared to ONE creative, FOUR essays in 2 Unit). So, no, I would not say it is particularly time consuming or difficult. With the whole year spent on the same Module-Elective, you actually understand it in a lot more depth and have the opportunity to improve.
You should do Extension 1, if you are good at Advanced English and are interested in doing more of the same (except a bit more challenging/interesting).
An added benefit is that doing Extension 1 is likely to improve your Advanced English marks – simply by further practising your English skills.
English Extension 2
Syllabus
This course lets “students develop a sustained composition, and document and reflect on this process“.
What it involves?
You independently develop a Major Work in a particular area that you are interested in. This can be creative, critical, personal etc. You can use any medium, such as prose, poetry, web, essay etc.
You document your progress in a journal, which is submitted with your Major Work.
This is again, all in addition to Advanced English and Extension 1 (ie, you will have 3 English exams and 1 Major Work due in total).
Why do it?
Only do Extension 2 if you are interested in creating a Major Work. Although only 1 Unit, this subject takes a lot of time and effort – you really need the interest and passion to keep going. You need to be interested in writing and creating an English Major Work, and be able to do the necessary research to support it. It's also noted that everyone's MW varies by length and that you also need to write a reflection statement. It is handed in and completed in August, so then you don't have to worry lingering around actual HSC time.
The English Standard and Advanced Dilemma
Deciding whether to take Standard or Advanced English is one of the hardest decision to make.
English Standard AND Advanced are scaled in the exact same way. When someone says "Don't do standard because it has very poor scaling", it is ENTIRELY wrong.
If 2 identical RAW marks in Standard English and Advanced English will scale to the same scaled mark.
Standard and Advanced English are scaled as one course despite what others say.
But now you will ask "Why is it on the list of scaled means, Advanced and Standard english are different when you said they are scaled the same?"
The answer to this is simple. They are reported separately. i.e. They combine the candidature of English Standard and Advanced and scale it as a single subject, they are then separated and the scaled mean is determined and reported. It just so happens the scaled mean of Standard is typically lower than Advanced. This doesn't mean it scaled any better or worse than Advanced.
Is it possible to get a band 6 in Standard English?
Yes it is very much possible. Most teachers and students would say the board of studies doesn't allow students to get band 6. This is untrue, and has been proved in 2013 where 0.41% attained a band 6.
But why so little people? It just so happens the students undertaking Standard aren't academically strong enough to attain that band.
FAQ
I'm confused with the notion that your best 2 units of English has to count. What does that mean?
The reason why your best 2 units of English has to count is because the subject is compulsory to do. Because of this, it is imperative that you do really well in the course if you want to get a great ATAR. It is also worth noting that if you do 4U only the extensions may count if you are doing 12 units.
What's the Area of Study?
The Area of Study provides a structure through which students explore how texts, context and experience shape the understanding of a concept. An assumption underlying the Area of Study is that students come to understand ideas through their own experience and through the texts they compose and to which they respond. This understanding, in turn, affects perceptions of self and the world providing students with the contexts from which they explore and come to conclusions about the process of meaning.
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