Critical Thinkers

Year 11 English

Our Critical Thinkers program for Year 11 prepares students for the advanced challenges of senior English. Aligned with the NESA syllabus and the NSW English curriculum, this program focuses on key modules including Reading to Write, Narratives that Shape Our World, and Critical Study of Literature. The program empowers students to become independent, confident thinkers, fully prepared to tackle the complex demands of Year 12 and achieve success in their HSC English.

Sign up now

Program Highlights

Reading to Write

Students engage deeply with various texts to understand how effective writing is crafted. This module teaches them to analyse authorial choices and adopt successful writing techniques in their own work. The focus on reading as a means to enhance writing skills sharpens their analytical abilities and enriches their writing style.

Contemporary Possibilities

This module explores how emerging digital and multimodal texts shape meaning and engagement. Students analyse how technology influences storytelling, communication, and audience interaction. By studying various contemporary texts, they examine how form, structure, and language create unique experiences. Through responding and composing, students develop digital literacy and an appreciation for evolving textual possibilities.

Close Study of Literature

Students engage deeply with a substantial literary text, analysing its ideas, form, and language to understand its distinctive qualities. They explore how composers convey meaning and how readers respond. Through critical and creative responses, students refine their analytical and communication skills, strengthening their personal connection to the text.

Exam Preparation and Strategic Study Skills

The course includes techniques for managing time and stress during exams, practising timed writing, and honing strategies to present their best work under pressure.

Reading to Write

Students engage deeply with various texts to understand how effective writing is crafted. This module teaches them to analyse authorial choices and adopt successful writing techniques in their own work. The focus on reading as a means to enhance writing skills sharpens their analytical abilities and enriches their writing style.

Narratives that Shape Our World

This component explores how narratives reflect and influence societal values and beliefs. Students undertake a comparative study to understand how context shapes storytelling and meaning. By exploring stories from different cultures and time periods, students learn to identify and analyse the ways in which authors convey themes, challenge norms, and resonate with audiences.

Critical Study of Literature

Students undertake an in-depth analysis of significant literary works, focusing on themes, context, and authorial techniques. This module hones their critical thinking and interpretation skills, essential for writing compelling essays and responses. Emphasis is placed on constructing well-supported arguments and developing a nuanced understanding of texts.

Exam Preparation and Strategic Study Skills

The course includes techniques for managing time and stress during exams, practicing timed writing, and honing strategies to present their best work under pressure.

What's Included?

One-on-One Weekly Session

Comprehensive Resources

Essay Marking Service

Exam Practice

Individualised Feedback

Student Exemplars

Our tutors combine experience, insight, and personalised support to help you achieve your academic goals.

Fiona

Fiona, our Principal Tutor at GSA, has over 6 years of English tutoring experience and a proven track record of helping students achieve full mark essays and Band 6 HSC results. As the top student in her cohort (99.50 ATAR), Fiona brings both expertise and a passion for teaching, inspiring students to reach their full potential. Her tailored approach pushes students to excel, building their confidence and skills in English. Dedicated and results-driven, Fiona is committed to helping each student succeed, making her an invaluable mentor and guide.

Aden

Aden, a Physiotherapy student at UNSW, brings a relatable and inspiring perspective to mastering English. His passion lies in helping students unlock their full potential, combining academic growth with a newfound appreciation for the subject. Aden’s teaching style is all about building confidence, sharpening skills, and making English not just a subject to master but one to enjoy. With a supportive and professional approach, Aden creates a positive, engaging learning environment where students feel empowered to achieve their goals.

Namo

Namo is a second-year student at UNSW, pursuing a dual degree in Actuarial Studies and Finance. His journey with English has been one of transformation. Initially struggling with essay writing and lacking confidence, Namo’s determination and support from skilled tutors helped him turn a challenge into his strength. Over time, English became more than just a subject—it became a passion he prioritised. Drawing from his own experiences, Namo is now committed to helping others build confidence, master the subject, and discover their own love for English.

What our students and parents say

Working with Aden enhanced my english grades at school significantly. In class Aden is well approached towards making me fully understand something I don't know, he also works very hard out of class while editing my work and giving me feedback over text. I think that Aden is a suitable tutor for everyone that needs to further improve their studies towards english. My english grades at school improved dramatically after taking his lessons as he helps me with my preparations for my assessment tasks during well scheduled lessons.

Max W. (Year 9 student)

When I initially started, my marks were around the C–D range. However, after a few years with Fiona, I am now consistently in the B–A range. Not only have I noticed an improvement in my English, but my writing in other subjects has also significantly improved, allowing me to construct more cohesive and understandable sentences.

Toby W. (Year 12 Standard student)

Fiona has guided me with expert knowledge of the overall skills of writing which helped me improve my overall marks in the subject. I would definitely recommend taking this tutoring service as it provides detailed information for what you may be learning.

Cyrus C. (Year 10 student)

Fiona has been super helpful in building my confidence in English essay writing since I started earlier this year. It has been really useful to have some guidance when preparing for assessments, and I have already seen improvements in my grades. Highly recommend Fiona for English tutoring!!

Gabriella S. (Year 12 Advanced student)

Gold Standard Academy has been extremely beneficial for my skills in English. Starting year 12, my English grades had started to drop and I was feeling as if I was falling behind, and so I decided to join the Academy in term 2. Upon joining, I quickly started to become more confident in my writing, and had begun to see an improvement in my grades. Fiona has been instrumental in my progress, and she is an amazing tutor who is sincere in her work. Gold Standard Academy has definitely helped me enjoy English more and I highly recommend it if you are considering tutoring for English.

Ivanka T. (Year 12 Advanced student)

I used to not be very confident With English but ever since I've joined, it's been such a great experience and I feel much more confident such as PEEL paragraphs and much more.

Selina C. (Year 7 student)

Working with Miss Fiona has been incredibly beneficial, and she's also been a fantastic support system. I've seen a significant improvement in my English abilities thanks to her guidance. It's been invaluable to have someone with such a strong understanding of the HSC English curriculum to help me navigate the course, especially knowing I have her support. I feel much more confident and prepared as a result of our sessions.

Ayesha M. (Year 12 EXT1 student)

GSA is the most organised english tutoring centre in Sydney, Fiona is the best and most understanding. Fiona also assists with school assesments and homework.

Nixon N. (Year 10 student)

Fiona really helped me develop a better understanding in writing my short answer and essay analysis, i honestly would've struggled a lot if it was not for her help.

Anjali R. (Year 12 Standard student)

I was failing English and super confused with how to analyse texts and the simple structures of essays. Through Fiona’s help English changed from the subject I struggled with the most to the subject I was most confident in and actually looked forward to studying!

Imogen W. (2023 graduate)

My two children have each been students for a few years. The value that Fiona has provided to them, helping them with their English across many subjects, has been exceptional. Fiona is very organized, well across the various curriculum grades and supportive. Highly recommended.

Lesley D. (Parent)

Under Gold Standard Academy guidance, I improved my English writing skills dramatically! I love how they are able to tailor to each student's needs. Forever grateful :)

Lewis R. (2022 graduate)

Gold Standard Academy played a significant role in my English Advanced studies during my senior year of high school. With Fiona’s expert guidance and support, I was able to achieve my full potential and excel in my exams. I highly recommend their tutoring services to any high school student looking to succeed!

Annabelle M. (2023 graduate)

Subjects We Teach

Language Starters

English Year 7-8

Our Language Starters program for Year 7 and 8 students focuses on building essential English skills that prepare them for academic success.

View class

Skill Builders

English Year 9-10

Our Skills Builders program for Year 9 and 10 students builds on the foundations established in earlier years.

View class

Text Masters

English Year 12

Our Text Masters program for Year 12 is designed to equip students with the expertise needed to excel in their HSC English studies.

View class

Sign Up Now

Enrol now

FAQs

What age groups or year levels do you tutor?

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.

Are your lessons aligned with the NSW syllabus?

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.

How do you personalise tutoring to meet individual student needs?

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.

Do you offer one-on-one or group tutoring sessions?

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.

Can you help with specific assessments, exams, or assignments?

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.

Do you provide resources and practice materials?

Yes, we provide weekly content, comprehensive resources, including practice materials, worksheets, and model responses, to help students consolidate their learning and practice independently.

How long is each tutoring session, and how often should a student attend?

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.

Do you offer online tutoring options?

Yes, we offer both in-person and online tutoring to accommodate different preferences and ensure flexibility in learning.

Do you offer trial lessons for new students?

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.

How can we contact you?

You can contact us either through our email at tutor@goldstandardacademy.com or call us at 0481 336 988

Unlock your full potential with expert, personalised tutoring in HSC English. At GSA, we specialise in building skills, confidence, and success for students across NSW. Achieve excellence with our tailored programs and proven results.

Facebook

Instagram

0481 336 988

tutor@goldstandardacademy.com

Subjects

English Year 7-8 English Year 9-10 English Year 11 English Year 12

Company

Why Gold Standard Academy?Careers Resources

Privacy Policy Site by Mercif