English study is mandatory in NSW from Kindergarten to Year 12.
Students learn about the English language through written, spoken and visual texts of increasing complexity as they progress through their schooling.
An understanding of the English language is central to how we communicate and essential for intellectual, social and emotional development.
The study of English should develop a love of literature and learning and be challenging and enjoyable. It develops skills to enable students to experiment with ideas and expression, to become active, independent and lifelong learners, to work with each other and to reflect on their learning.
Students develop their language skills through activities involving speaking and listening, reading and writing, and viewing and representing.
They learn about language and literature through working with a wide range of print, spoken, visual, media, multimedia and digital texts.
Students interpret and express their views on what they hear, see and read.
They create written and digital texts, and deliver formal and informal presentations.
There is a requirement that students experience a range of texts, including Australian works, multicultural perspectives, Aboriginality and Australian identity, and Asian perspectives.
There is an increased emphasis on grammar and the teaching of quality literature.
(from Parents' Guide to NSW Syllabus:NESA)
