Course Information

HSC English. The smart way to prepare for your HSC.

This one-day HSC English Exam Preparation Course preparation course focuses on final exam preparation for English Advanced students.

This course offers last-minute practice and advice for HSC English Advanced students. We will cover:

• Paper 1 Common Module: Texts and Human Experiences
• Paper 2 including the full range of Module A: Textual Conversations; Module B: Critical Study of Literature; and Module C: The Craft of Writing.

We will also look at last-minute practice in critical thinking skills and the fundamental concepts that you will need to focus on in the Common Module, and Modules A to C. This includes attention to independent student responses, attention to issues about identity and values, and literary form and style. There is further focus on understanding how various selected texts relate to the requirements for each module, including examples of how to answer HSC exams using selected texts.

Analysis of the structure of the English Advanced examination paper is a focus of the course. We will consider NESA advice about the structure of Paper 1 Common Module: Texts and Human Experience, and the range of questions that can be expected. We also look closely at Modules A to C, including the range of types of questions that can be expected in each.

Finally, we will consider exam techniques. This focus includes reading exam papers and questions, planning English answers and exam timing. In addition, we read and discuss past high-achieving student HSC responses and marker feedback from previous years. Discussion makes clear exactly how these students responded successfully to the questions, and why markers rewarded them.

Please note, this course refers to selected HSC Advanced English prescribed texts; it does not cover all prescribed texts in the HSC English syllabus.

Outcomes

By the end of this course, you should be able to:

• polish your knowledge of the Advanced English Syllabus and Prescriptions and the skills most important to successful HSC English responses for the Common Module and Modules A to C
• focus critical thinking skills and revise your skills in relation to the essential Advanced English studies components that include form, style and context, and an emphasis on independent student reflection about texts, identity and values
• revise selected prescribed English texts in relation to the requirements for each Module, and with attention to literary techniques that include ambiguity, paradox, themes, motifs and figurative language
• complete English examinations based on the study of NESA guidelines and with skills in reading examination papers, questions and time management
• study past HSC responses and marker feedback
• prepare for English Advanced exams with skills in reading examination papers and preparing answers
• prepare successfully for English Advanced examinations with the advantage of close study of successful English examination answers and high awareness of the advantage of independent and authentic student responses.

Content

• Study of the Syllabus and Prescriptions for the HSC English Common Module: Texts and Human Experiences and English Advanced Modules A to C.

• EA12-1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. Discussion and analysis of critical thinking and essay skills in relation to the focus of English studies on language, form, style, context and identity and values.

• EA12-5, 7, 8. Advice and discussion about relating prescribed texts to the syllabus and prescriptions for each module.

• EA12-5, 7, 8. Discussion and analysis of selected set texts and passages in order to focus the requirements of each module in Standard and Advanced English.

• EA12-5, 6, 7, 8, 9. Study of NESA advice about the exam papers for the new English courses and previous examination papers and successful examination answers.

• EA12-5, 6, 7, 8, 9. Advice and discussion about final study techniques for English and reading exam papers and questions and time management.

• EA12-5, 6, 7, 8, 9. Group discussion about selected critical comment and NESA examination material to enhance independent and authentic student critical responses in the demanding conditions of the examination room.

Intended audience

HSC English Advanced students

Delivery style

A combination of lecture advice, tips, questions and group discussion with the advantage of selected passages from texts and examination material including successful previous examination answers.

Materials

You will be provided with a course booklet (electronic copy) using Dropbox.

Bring your own device

You are required to bring your own device (Windows or Mac) and a power cord. Please ensure your device is fully charged as access to power is limited.

Please note that University does not carry any responsibility for your lost, stolen, or damaged devices whilst on the University premises.

Reference

NESA English Advanced Syllabus 2017

Getting Through Your HSC: A Practical Guide

While you progress through this journey and also the conclusion of your schooling life, we know you’ll have a lot on your mind – exams, future study, careers – but remember, while keeping focused on these bigger goals and aspirations, it’s also important not to forget your own health and well-being.

For tips on staying motivated and keeping focused, dealing with anxiety, keeping healthy, relaxation, pre-study exercise and more, read our article Getting Through Your HSC: A Practical Guide.