The English Extension 11–12 Syllabus includes:

• focus areas which replace modules and focus area content which replace module descriptions
• a new structure that combines the previous syllabus’ outcomes and content with the focus area statement
• a structure where each focus area is aligned to all outcomes
  • all outcomes should therefore be addressed in each focus area
• a new Author and authority focus area in Year 12 – English Extension 2, which includes an author study
• an increase from 5 outcomes to 6 outcomes in Year 12 – English Extension 1 and Year 12 – English Extension 2 resulting in significant differences to accommodate the new focus area
• a change to the mandated school-based assessment tasks and mandatory weightings in
  • Year 11 English Extension
  • Year 12 English Extension 1
  • Year 12 English Extension 2.
• the removal of a mandated multimodal presentation as part of the school-based Year 11 – English Extension assessment schedule
• significant changes to the English Extension 2 HSC examination specifications including the addition of a written examination
• new word lengths and time limits for the English Extension 2 Major works, which have reduced by 40% to accommodate for the inclusion of the examination
• the removal of the reflection statement but retention of the major work journal
• HSC examinations for English Extension 1 and English Extension 2 will be undertaken by students using a computer
• the wording of the English Extension 1 performance band descriptions has changed slightly with minimal impact on meaning
• the English Extension 2 performance band descriptions have changed significantly in response to the new focus area
• updated text requirements across Stage 6 which mandate the teaching of a range of texts from Australian authors including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander authors across Year 11–12
• advice regarding Protocols for collaborating with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities and engaging with Cultural works.

The organisation of English Extension 11–12 content image is from the English Extension 11–12 Syllabus (2024) © NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) for and on behalf of the Crown in right of the State of New South Wales, 2024.

Prior to implementing the English Extension 11–12 Syllabus, leaders will need to consider the following:

• budget implications for the purchasing of new texts in alignment with the release of the Prescriptions document for English Extension 11–12 Syllabus (2024)
• complexities of workload for staff and faculties preparing to teach multiple new Year 11–12 syllabuses, including
  • the reading and preparation of new texts to support informed decision-making about the best pattern of texts for specific school contexts.
• building teacher understanding about the changes to the organisation of the syllabus and the implications that this will have on programming
• supporting teachers’ understanding of how the English Extension 11–12 Syllabus (2024) is an extension on the English Advanced 11–12 Syllabus, and how English Extension 2 is an extension on English Extension 1
• resource and budget implications including
  • providing time for staff to engage with syllabus expectations and build their skills and understanding to effectively teach and plan for syllabus requirements across 11–12 to implement from 2026.
  • determining what resources are currently available to address new text requirements across Stage 6 and purchasing additional texts to address areas of need
  • purchasing texts for teacher professional learning and factoring in opportunities for teachers to attend professional learning.
• exploring ways to adopt and adapt the sample materials provided by the department and curriculum materials developed in school to support consistency of syllabus enactment.

The English Extension 11–12 Syllabus is based on evidence summarised in the bibliography published by NESA in the Teaching and learning support. This evidence highlights that:

• improving students’ writing is achieved through immersion with quality model texts, including an investigation of how authors use specific language forms and features to craft meaning
• interpretive reading practices that take context into account have a significant impact on the ways that students make meaning of literary texts
• exposure to a diverse range of increasingly complex textual experiences enhances learning in English
• the recursive writing process results in increased engagement and understanding and improved composition.

English Extension 11–12 Syllabus (2024) © NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) for and on behalf of the Crown in right of the State of New South Wales, 2024.

• To what extent do staff understand the syllabus and the evidence underpinning the new syllabus?
  • How has this been fostered and understanding evaluated?
• What school practices and systems are in place to support teacher professional learning?
  • How are these evaluated to maximise support for teachers?
• What evidence is there that staff have understood syllabus changes and familiarised themselves with the new syllabus?
• Do staff have the skills and understanding to collaboratively undertake syllabus implementation?
  • What explicit systems are in place to foster collaboration?
• How has the school engaged with departmental resources and support for curriculum implementation, for example, Curriculum Reform Communities, curriculum resources, professional learning, and DEL network initiatives?
• What resources are required to commence syllabus implementation and meet planning, programming, assessing, and reporting requirements?
• To what extent does the plan for implementation allocate time for reflection and evaluation?
• How have change management considerations been embedded into the Strategic Improvement Plan to support teachers and sustain and strengthen curriculum implementation?
• How will the school’s plan for curriculum implementation be evaluated?
  • How might this evaluation inform the implementation of future syllabuses?

• NSW Department of Education Planning, programming and assessing English 11–12
• NSW Department of Education English curriculum team 7–12 webpages
• NSW Department of Education Professional learning calendar and catalogue
• NESA English Extension 11–12 Syllabus (2024)
• NESA English Extention 11–12 Syllabus (2024) Teaching and learning support
• NESA Introduction to the English 11–12 syllabuses video (3:36)
• Controversial issues in schools policy
• ACE Rules (2024) in effect from 14 October 2024