As Year 10 students, you’re approaching a big moment in your high school journey, choosing your subjects for senior high school! Unlike other subjects where you get to opt in or out, English is the one subject everyone has to do. But here’s the real choice: should you take Standard English or Advanced English?
As a tutor who's helped hundreds of students navigate this exact decision, I want to give you a guide that’s clear, honest, and based on what actually works.
While there are six main English courses in the HSC (including Extension and EAL/D), most students choose between just two:
So, how do you choose the one that suits you?
Let’s break it down.
Many students ask me questions like:
“Is Advanced too hard?”
“Will Standard affect my ATAR?”
“Will unis care which one I choose?”
These are totally valid concerns. What matters most is understanding your own strengths, interests, and learning style, then picking the course that best supports them.
This course is designed for students who want to develop strong communication, writing, and analytical skills — but without diving deep into dense, literary analysis.
Advanced English is more challenging and suited to students who enjoy digging deep into complex ideas, analysing form and context, and writing with precision and sophistication.
Both Standard and Advanced have internal assessments and an HSC exam, but the Advanced course typically includes:
If you're choosing Advanced, be prepared for a more intense workload, but also the opportunity to push yourself and grow.
Choosing between Standard and Advanced English depends on:
Whether you're studying Standard or Advanced English, both streams encourage students to think critically, express ideas clearly, and engage with the world through language. The main difference lies in depth, complexity, and expectation. With the right attitude and support, success is possible in either course.
No matter which course you pick, remember this:
Both Standard and Advanced can lead to success.
I’ve seen Standard students score Band 6s because they played to their strengths, stayed consistent, and got the right support. Likewise, Advanced students who committed to the challenge walked away with skills that took them far beyond the HSC.
You’re not locked in forever either, you can switch between courses in Year 11 if needed. What matters most right now is picking the option that feels right for you, not the one that sounds more impressive.
And hey, if you’re still unsure, chat with your English teacher or book a free consultation with us at GSA. We’re here to help you map out your ideal path forward!
We provide specialised English tutoring for students in Years 7 to 12, helping them build strong foundational skills, master the NSW English syllabus, and excel in HSC English.
Yes, all our lessons are carefully aligned with the NSW English syllabus. ensuring students are fully prepared for school assessments, exams, and HSC English requirements.
We start with an Introductory Lesson to assess each student’s strengths, weaknesses, and learning style. Our English tutors then design personalised lesson plans aligned with the NSW English syllabus to ensure targeted learning.
All our classes are one-on-one. This allows us to accommodate different learning preferences, ensuring each student receives the attention and support they need.
Absolutely. Our tutors are experienced in guiding students through preparing for specific assessments, exams and assignments, providing targeted feedback and strategies to help them succeed.
Yes, we provide weekly content, comprehensive resources, including practice materials, worksheets, and model responses, to help students consolidate their learning and practice independently.
Typically, each session is 90 minutes. Our termly courses are at least once a week, but the frequency can be tailored based on their needs and academic goals.
Yes, we offer both in-person and online tutoring to accommodate different preferences and ensure flexibility in learning.
Yes, we offer new students an Introductory Lesson with no obligation to continue. This allows new students to experience our teaching approach, meet their tutor, and decide if our personalised English tutoring is the right fit for their learning needs.
You can contact us either through our email at tutor@goldstandardacademy.com or call us at 0481 336 988
