Studying for the Higher School Certificate - Related and Prescribed Texts
What is the difference between Stage 6 English - Year 11 and Year 12
When you sit for your HSC English examination in October, you will be assessed on your knowledge of the texts studied during Year 12. However, you should not disregard Year 11, just because you won't be 'tested on it' for the actual HSC. Apart from the fact that you will be assessed in-school on your Year 11 work, Year 11 is particularly important for the following reasons:
For students studying the Advanced English course, Standard or ESL course, 'related texts' are those which students choose themselves, that support their study of the prescribed texts in the following topics/modules:
The NSW English Syllabus (Stage 6 - years 11 and 12,) is based on the belief that reading widely serves a number of purposes, including, but not limited to:
How to choose a 'related text'?
'Related texts' are not limited to printed books or novels. Students can choose from nearly any text type:
Michael Murray, of the Curriculum and Learning Innovation Centre, provides a detailed explanation of choosing related texts for the Area of Study here, as well as suggesting a range of suitable texts for that section of the paper.
In addition, Inside Break, the HSC resource website established by public libraries of NSW, has an extensive list of 'Belonging' related texts, here.
TIP: Go back through your old school books from previous year's study of English. You may find ideas for possible related texts in those you've previously studied. Remember, though, keep your focus on the requirements of each topic or module.
When you sit for your HSC English examination in October, you will be assessed on your knowledge of the texts studied during Year 12. However, you should not disregard Year 11, just because you won't be 'tested on it' for the actual HSC. Apart from the fact that you will be assessed in-school on your Year 11 work, Year 11 is particularly important for the following reasons:
- It gives you experience at analysing and responding to texts as you'll be expected to in the HSC.
- Texts that you work on as part of your Year 11 studies may be useful as 'related texts' for your final year of study.
For students studying the Advanced English course, Standard or ESL course, 'related texts' are those which students choose themselves, that support their study of the prescribed texts in the following topics/modules:
- Area of Study - the first paper and section of the HSC. For current Year 12 students (2011) this is 'Belonging'.
- Modules A and C of the Standard and Advanced Courses. Modules A, B and C comprise the second paper of the HSC.
- Both of the required modules (A and B) in the ESL course
The NSW English Syllabus (Stage 6 - years 11 and 12,) is based on the belief that reading widely serves a number of purposes, including, but not limited to:
- It develops an appreciation for the complexity of English and literature
- It provides students with the opportunity to "perceive and understand their world from a variety of perspectives" (Stage 6 English Syllabus, NSW Board of Studies, 2009).
How to choose a 'related text'?
'Related texts' are not limited to printed books or novels. Students can choose from nearly any text type:
- Fiction Books
- Non fiction books
- Newspaper/magazine articles
- Visual texts (for example, paintings, cartoons, picture books)
- Films
- Songs
- How is it 'related' to my prescribed text? What does it have in common - shared thesis, themes, common use of language features to get the message across?
- What does it have to say about the focus of the topic or module? Remember, these are looking at how a particular idea or broad theme is represented, rather than just a narrow focus of a particular text's themes, plot, characterisation etc.
- Is it complex enough to discuss at some length in a comparative way?
- Can I confidently analyse the specific language features of this text type?
- Does it interest me? It will be easier to examine - and write about - something of interest to you.
Michael Murray, of the Curriculum and Learning Innovation Centre, provides a detailed explanation of choosing related texts for the Area of Study here, as well as suggesting a range of suitable texts for that section of the paper.
In addition, Inside Break, the HSC resource website established by public libraries of NSW, has an extensive list of 'Belonging' related texts, here.
TIP: Go back through your old school books from previous year's study of English. You may find ideas for possible related texts in those you've previously studied. Remember, though, keep your focus on the requirements of each topic or module.
What are 'prescribed texts'?
Depending on which English course you are studying, your teacher will have selected either three, four or five prescribed texts. These are studied throughout the Year 12 course, and span the following text types:
Depending on which English course you are studying, your teacher will have selected either three, four or five prescribed texts. These are studied throughout the Year 12 course, and span the following text types:
- Prose fiction
- Drama/film
- Poetry
- Non-fiction
- Media/multi-media
- Shakespeare (Advanced students only.)
Talking the Talk - using appropriate terms and language
You will also need to have a sound knowledge of all the appropriate terms used to discuss English. The English Teachers Association provides a handy glossary of terms and concepts here.
In addition, you will find useful resources to help you analyse specific text types on the following pages:
In addition, you will find useful resources to help you analyse specific text types on the following pages:
- Analysing Text Types
- Literary Elements
- Grammar and Punctuation
- Poetry
- Film
- Shakespeare
- Picture Books/Visual Texts
