English 11–12 programs overview
An overview of the features of the sample programs provided to support the Senior English 11–12 syllabuses (2024).
Program features
Central to the English syllabuses for Years 11–12 is the belief that language learning is recursive. It is something that develops through ever-widening contexts. The sample programs and assessments are designed to be educative. They provide guidance for teachers through an ‘adopt and adapt’ approach.
There are a range of resources designed to support English teachers and leaders as they program. Syllabus information for school leaders – English provides an overview of what has changed and links to useful resources. Whole school considerations are outlined. Reflection questions are provided. They can guide the exploration of the evidence base and guide engagement with the syllabuses.
The sample teaching and learning materials can be used:
- as a model for
- programs
- assessments
- scope and sequences
- as an example of how to enact the senior English syllabuses (2024)
- as a model of one way to approach programming
- to show how the English curriculum 7–12 team use the Phases approach to conceptual programming.
- Each program is
- about 10 weeks in duration
- aligned to a sample scope and sequence.
- Teachers should adapt materials to suit their students.
- The resources should be used with schedules that meet the overall assessment schedules.
The sample materials support:
- English teachers
- leaders
- those practising out-of-field.
Their educative nature:
- guides interpretation of the syllabus
- shows a model of syllabus-aligned programming and assessment practice.
All programs and their supporting resources are best viewed on a device. To move through sections of a Microsoft Word document:
- open the file
- view the navigation pane (hold down Ctrl+F or select View > Navigation Pane)
- in the navigation pane, select the Headings tab
- to go to a heading in a document, select that heading in the navigation pane.
Support resources across English 7–12
Across 7–10 and 11–12, teaching and learning programs are supported by:
- student-facing assessment task notifications that contain
- teacher and student-facing marking criteria
- steps to success to guide students
- annotated student samples that can be used to
- assist teachers in developing consistent teacher judgement
- used with students as part of a peer marking and editing task
- a series of core formative tasks that guide teachers and students through the development of essential knowledge, skills and understanding
- student-facing resources and activities to support the assessment, core formative tasks and teaching program
- 10-week teaching and learning programs with notes for teachers
- texts booklets with licensed core texts and extracts that are featured in the program
- slide decks to support engagement with the activities in the programs and the analysis of core texts.
Explicit teaching in English 11–12
The Explicit teaching in English 7–12 (PDF 943 KB) infographic contains a summary of the connection between these English resources and explicit teaching strategies.
Exploring sensitive topics in English 11–12
Some sample teaching and learning programs explore issues that could be deemed sensitive or controversial. It is important these issues are explored carefully, using a syllabus-aligned approach.
The study of controversial issues is acceptable for educational purposes. This is consistent with the Controversial issues in schools policy.
- The What needs to be done (staff only) section provides guidelines for each school.
- The Comply with audiovisual material requirement (staff only) section outlines the requirements for use of M and MA15+ audiovisual material.
Exploring topics that may be sensitive should also take place in line with the Code of ethics and conduct policy. It is important that classrooms are neutral places for discussion that encourage respectful and critical thinking about issues.
More information about the use of texts with sensitive topics can be found on the How to use the English 11–12 core texts webpage.
Professional learning
The following outlines professional learning that supports the teaching of these programs.
- Professional learning English K–12 contains an overview of the professional learning that is available.
- English 11–12 microlearning (staff only) (MyPL TPL00701) contains a range of on-demand courses that unpack the requirements of the Senior English 11–12 syllabuses (2024).
- English curriculum 11–12 professional learning (staff only) contains self-paced sessions with resources.
- NESA Learning offers an overview of the 7–12 NSW curriculum, as well as a course exploring the English Extension 11–12 syllabus.
Join the English statewide staffroom (staff only) to access valuable professional learning resources and support from the English curriculum 7–10 team. The recordings and resources are in the Professional learning channel (staff only).
- Unpacking the English 11–12 syllabuses (staff only) – this professional learning is designed to support secondary English teachers, leaders and faculties as they plan for syllabus implementation.
- Unpacking the Year 11 and 12 English assessment and examination requirements (staff only) – this session explores the requirements for the 6 new English 11–12 syllabuses to be enacted for Year 11, 2026.
- Understanding and navigating the digital English syllabuses (staff only) – this session is designed to support familiarity with the digital curriculum.
- Planning scope and sequences for the Senior (11–12) English syllabuses (staff only) – this session provides an overview of the compliance requirements for scope and sequences.