English Advanced or English Standard: Which is Right for You?
Choosing between English Advanced and English Standard for the HSC can feel overwhelming. Both courses offer valuable learning opportunities, but understanding their differences is key to selecting the best fit for your skills, interests, and goals. Here’s a detailed guide to help you make an informed decision.
What’s the Difference?
In Year 11, the first module, Common Module: Reading to Write, is the same for both English Advanced and Standard. However, the second module differs:
In English Standard, you’ll study Contemporary Possibilities, which explores the dangers and possibilities of technology. This module focuses on one complex multimodal or digital text.
In English Advanced, the module is Narratives That Shape Our World, a comparative study of an older and newer text.
The final module in Year 11 is similar for both courses, focusing on critical study. However, Advanced students are assigned more challenging texts.
In Year 12, two of the modules are virtually identical for both courses:
Common Module: Texts and Human Experiences involves short-answer responses and essays. Both Advanced and Standard students sit the same paper for this module in the HSC and trial exams.
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.
Both courses also have a Module B focused on a critical analysis of a single text.
The main distinction in Module A is as follows:
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).
Key Considerations when choosing
- Your Strengths: If you’ve struggled significantly in Year 9 and 10 English and aren’t prepared to put in extra effort, English Standard might suit you better. If your performance is average or above, English Advanced could be a rewarding choice.
- Your Goals: Advanced English is a prerequisite for some university courses, especially those requiring strong analytical skills, such as Law or Humanities. If you achieve a Band 5 or 6 in English Advanced, you could receive bonus ATAR points (check with your desired university and course)
- Workload: English Advanced demands more reading, analysis, and essay preparation. If you’re taking or intending on taking a high number of units (12–14) for the HSC, English Standard may provide a more manageable workload.
Scaling
- Although scaling shouldn’t be the main consideration in selecting your subjects, it is still a significant factor.
o Historically, English Standard scales poorly compared to English Advanced.
- Here’s why: If you’re in the top 10% of English Standard students, you’ll receive a mark equivalent to a student in the top 70% of English Advanced.
- Further according to NESA 2023,
o For English Advanced: 14% students got Band 6 (90 +), 53% got Band 5 (80+)
o For English Standard: 5% students got Band 6 (90+) , 17% got Band 5 (80+)
o In essence: advanced scales way better!
Common Misconceptions
“Only high achievers should do English Advanced.”
Not true! While Advanced involves more challenging material, any student willing to put in the effort can succeed. If you’re performing around average in junior English, you’ll likely manage well in Advanced.
“English Standard is easier.”
Both courses demand critical thinking, clear communication, and consistent effort. Standard’s texts may be simpler, but success still requires hard work. Plus, remember that half of the Year 12 content is the same across both courses!
Our Advice
If you’re unsure but not performing poorly, opt for English Advanced. You can always drop down to Standard in Year 11 if needed, but you can’t move up to Advanced once enrolled in Standard.
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.
