Should You Take English Advanced or Standard?
Feeling Stuck About Which English Level to Choose? You’re Not Alone.
Every year, heaps of students go through the same thing — stressing over whether to pick Standard, Advanced, or something else. It’s not just you.
Maybe you feel “average” but know you could do better.
Maybe your school seems to push everyone into Advanced… or out of it.
And maybe you’re worried about scaling, uni entry, and just how much work it’s all going to be.
Here’s the thing - this decision isn’t just about marks: it can change how confident you feel in class, how much you enjoy English, & what options you have after school. We’ve put together a free guide that explains everything clearly so you can choose the level that’s right for you..
What’s the Difference?
Year 11
Both Advanced & Standard begin with the exact same module - Reading to Write, which is focused on imaginative, discursive and persuasive writing.
For Module A, standard students will study ‘Contemporary Possibilities’ focused on how technology shapes identity and experience, normally through a digital or multimedia text like a film. For Advanced, the module is ‘Narratives That Shape Our World’, which compares two texts to show how they reflect or influence cultural values.
Both levels also complete a Critical Study of Literature in Year 11, but Advanced students study more complex texts like Shakespeare, while Standard texts are more straightforward.
Year 12
Two of the Year 12 modules are shared across both courses: Texts and Human Experiences (Common Module), The Craft of Writing (Module C)
For Common Module, both courses sit the exact same paper. The module, Texts and Human Experiences, involves unseen short-answer responses and a 45 minute essay. Module C: The Craft of Writing includes imaginative, discursive, and persuasive writing, as well as reflective responses. While the content is shared, English Advanced typically requires a higher standard of work, reciveing harder questions and a higher expectations for marking.
Both courses also have a Module B focused on a critical analysis of a single text.
The main distinction is in Module A: In English Standard, Language, Identity, and Culture examines how language shapes identity. Texts tend to be more straightforward but still include a variety of forms, such as poems, films, and novels. In English Advanced, Textual Conversations compares an older text with its modern reimagining, analyzing differing contexts. This module can be particularly enjoyable if you’re interested in history.
Additionally, Advanced students study two Shakespeare plays—one in Year 11 (e.g., Julius Caesar or Othello) and another in Year 12 (e.g., The Merchant of Venice, Richard III, Henry IV, or The Tempest).
How Do I Know Which to Choose?
Choosing your English course can feel like a gamble — but it doesn’t have to be.
Here are 5 steps to figure out where you’ll do your best:
Step 1: Academic Readiness
Forget perfection. You don’t need straight A’s or flawless writing to succeed in Advanced English. What really matters is your willingness to put in the work and improve.
You might be ready for Advanced if you:
Usually get a C+ or higher in Year 9 & 10 English.
Can understand the main ideas in most texts (even if you need a couple of reads)
Don’t mind rewriting essays and actually use feedback to improve
You might be better in Standard if you:
Often get lost or confused when reading texts
Struggle with basic grammar, spelling, and punctuation
Find English exhausting and aren’t willing to put in extra effort
Skills can be taught — but effort can’t. If you’re ready to push yourself, Advanced could be your game.
Download The Free Guide
Choosing Your Year 11 English Level Can Feel Overwhelming. This clear, no-nonsense guide breaks it all down - no jargon, no scare tactics, just the facts you actually need.
Grab the Free Guide
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Need Help Deciding?
Still unsure which course to choose? At Pinnacle Learners, we specialize in helping students excel in both English Advanced and Standard.
Located in Rozelle and available online, we’ve supported students across the Inner West—Balmain, Birchgrove, Rozelle, Leichhardt, and beyond—to boost their results by 20% or more.
Our experienced tutors offer tailored guidance to build your confidence, sharpen your skills, and help you achieve your academic goals. Whether it’s refining essay-writing techniques or mastering textual analysis, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Book a free 10-minute consultation today to see how we can help you succeed in your High School studies.