10 lessons from English Extension 1 marking
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Transcript 10 lessons from English Extension 1 marking
Michael Murray
Group Leader, English/Literacy
NSW Curriculum and Learning Innovation Centre
Department of Education and Training
Lesson 1
Know and understand what the module and
the elective are all about
Early in the course, read and analyse the rubrics
for both the module and the elective
Keep coming back to the rubrics to ensure you are
on track
Notice how previous HSC questions derive from
these rubrics
Write practice questions based on these rubrics
Lesson 2
There is a lot more to this course than just the
study of prescribed texts
Texts of own choosing
Literary theory, historical background and context
Imaginative writing
Synthesising
Practice in preparation for the HSC exam
Lesson 3
Choose ‘other’ texts wisely and give them
equal attention to prescribed texts
Must suit the demands of the elective, especially
the historical periods in Mod B electives
Should add something new to the discussion
Aim for texts that are appropriate, sophisticated,
substantial
Look for variety – different in form and medium to
prescribed texts
Lesson 4
Focus on how meaning is shaped, not
just the content of texts
Sometimes problematic in Modules B and C
Consider visual, aural, literary and cinematic
techniques as appropriate for the medium of the
text
Evaluate and relate to the question, don’t just list
examples
Textual references and quotes should be well
integrated
Lesson 5
Develop an understanding of the theory behind
the elective being studied
Explore literary theory, historical background and
context as appropriate
Provides a framework in which texts can be discussed
Provides the glue between the texts in students’
responses
Should not be a focus in students’ responses but can
enhance a response if used appropriately
Particularly important for informing the imaginative
response
Lesson 6
Answer the question
Consider structuring the response to suit the question
rather than around the texts
Discuss aspects of the texts that are most relevant to
the question
Students cannot perform well if they simply use
prepared responses with little regard to the question
Note the trend towards greater specificity in HSC
questions
Students must be able to apply their learning in the
exam situation
Lesson 7
Give appropriate attention to imaginative
writing
Critical and imaginative are equally important in
the exam
Imaginative writing is a pedagogical tool to build
understanding
Needs to reflect the profound knowledge and
understanding of the elective
Most students write conventional stories –
consider non-narrative forms or varying the
conventions of narratives in imaginative ways
Lesson 8
Be original
Plagiarism is penalised
Originality is rewarded, both in critical and
imaginative responses
Students should not be afraid to use a more
personal tone in critical responses if that is what
the question requires – however, more often it is
appropriate to adopt a formal, objective and
academic tone
A sense of the student’s “ownership” of their work
should always be evident
Lesson 9
Use the resources on the BOS website
Marking guidelines can be used by teachers as models
for developing their own marking guidelines
Marking guidelines can be analysed by students to
better understand how their work will be assessed.
Students can use marking guidelines to assess own and
peer responses
Teachers and students can benefit by reading and
taking on board advice in Notes from the Marking
Centre
Standards packages, while old, can still inform
teachers and students of standards
Lesson 10
Plan learning experiences to ensure students
are prepared for the challenge of Extension 1
Design a Preliminary Extension course that
develops skills and conceptual understandings
Provide a focus for the Preliminary course which is
different to that of the HSC course – students need
to be refreshed and stimulated for their HSC year
Challenge potential Extension 1 candidates well
before they reach Year 11