Performance Band Descriptors Extension II 2007 & 2010
Performance Band Descriptors Extension II 2007 &
2010BandE4(32.13%) (28.06%) Demonstrates highly developed insights
and outstanding ability to formulate and communicate complex
concepts supported by thorough and extensive independent
investigation. Composes a substantial and sustained original major
work that effectively engages audience and is appropriate to
purpose, concept and medium. Exhibits sophisticated and highly
developed ability to articulate, monitor and reflect on processes
of investigation, interpretation, analysis and composition.
Performance Band Descriptors Extension II 2007 &
2010BandE3(47.14%) (53.4%) Demonstrates well developed insights and
accomplished ability to formulate and communicate complex concepts
supported by competent independent investigation. Composes a
substantial and sustained original major work that engages audience
and is appropriateto purpose, concept and medium. Exhibits well
developed ability to articulate, monitor and reflect on processes
of investigation, interpretation, analysis and composition.
Performance Band Descriptors2007 Higher School
CertificateBandE2(18.28%) (16.84%) Demonstrates developing insights
and sound ability to formulate and communicate concepts of some
complexity supported by independent investigation. Composes a
substantial and sustained original major work that is appropriate
to audience, purpose, concept and medium. Exhibits sound ability to
articulate, monitor and reflect on processes of investigation,
interpretation, analysis and composition.Performance Band
Descriptors2007 Higher School CertificateBandE1(2.35%) (1.68%) A
mark in this band indicates that the student has achieved below the
minimum standard expected.
HSC English Extension Course 2 Requirements In the HSC English
Extension Course 2 students develop a sustained composition, and
document and reflect on this process. Students undertaking HSC
English Extension Course 2 must complete the Major Work.
Major Work
This module requires students to work independently to plan and
complete a Major Work in the form of an extended composition. It
allows students to select an area of personal interest from their
specialised study of English and develop their work in this area to
a level of distinction. HSC English Extension Course 2 Requirements
Students compose the Major Work as an extension of the knowledge,
understanding and skills developed in the English (Advanced) and
(Extension) courses. The Major Work is to be substantial. It may be
imaginative, investigative, interpretive, analytical or any
combination of these. The chosen form and medium must be
appropriate to the nature of the task, the students interests and
abilities and the resources available. HSC English Extension Course
2 Requirements To provide the basis for the Major Work, students
undertake ongoing, systematic and rigorous investigation into their
chosen area. This investigation process is documented in a journal
that demonstrates the processes of inquiry, interprets, analyses
and reflects on the knowledge and understanding gained, and
explains the stages of the composition of the Major Work. The Major
Work will be assessed internally as a process and externally as a
product.Reporting achievement at the HSC The Higher School
Certificate credentials received by students are used by the Board
to report both the internal and external measures of achievement.
Higher School Certificate results in
English Extension 2 Results comprise: an assessment mark derived
from the mark submitted by the school and produced in accordance
with the Boards requirements for the internal assessment program an
examination mark derived from the HSC external examination an HSC
mark, which is the average of the assessment mark and the
examination mark a performance band, determined by the HSC mark.
Student performance in an HSC course is reported against standards
on a course report. The course report contains a performance scale
for the course describing levels (bands) of achievement, an HSC
mark located on the performance scale, an assessment mark and an
examination mark. Reporting achievement at the HSC Important:The
distribution of marks is determined by students performances
against the standards and not scaled to a predetermined pattern of
marks.Assessment components and weightings Extension IIThe
mandatory components and weightings for the HSC course are set out
below. The internal assessment mark submitted to the Board of
Studies is to be based on the HSC course only.
Component Weighting Skills in extensive independent
investigation 25 Skills in sustained composition 25 Total:
50Internal External AssessmentThe use of both internal assessment
and external examinations of student achievement allows
measurements and observations to be made at several points and in
different ways throughout the HSC course. Taken together, the
external examination and internal assessment provide a valid and
reliable assessment of the achievement of the knowledge,
understanding and skills described for each course. English
Extension 2 HSC examination specifications The English Extension 2
HSC examination will: consist of a submitted Major Work, worth: 40
marks An accompanying Reflection Statement, worth: 10 marks.
Major Work (40 marks) The Major Work must be a substantial
composition. The composition may use any medium of presentation
appropriate to the nature of the composition and must be one, or a
combination, of the following: Imaginative Investigative
Interpretative Analytical. Certification of Major WorkThis is
required to ensure that each work is wholly the work of the student
entered for the HSC and has been completed under the supervision of
the English teacher.
It is essential that: (a) aspects of the process of development
of the Major Work take place in school time (b) work completed away
from school is regularly monitored by the supervising teacher (c)
each student signs a statement, witnessed by the supervising
teacher and the school principal, that the submitted Major Work is
his or her own work (d) the Major Work Journal (see below) is
submitted with the Major Work.
This requirement is necessary for verification of authenticity
and will be referenced in the case of appeals being made to the
Board of Studies.
The journal will be submitted at least three times at key points
during the course to assist with verification. If the final version
of the Major Work varies substantially from the draft version
submitted earlier, these changes should be reflected in the
journal.
(e) The student and the supervising teacher ensure that any CDs,
CD-ROMs, DVDs or films submitted to the Board of Studies are
operable and conform to the specifications for the categoryThe
Major Work Journal During the development of the Major Work
students are required to keep a process journal. The Major Work
Journal must provide the following information: a written statement
containing a clear statement of intention agreed to by the student
and the teacher/school reflections pertaining to the development of
the Major Work composition. The Major Work Journal documents the
investigative process and the process of composition. The recording
of research and analysis, and critical, imaginative and speculative
reflections will assist students in achieving course objectives and
outcomes and in preparing for internal and external assessment
tasks. (The journal also has a role in establishing the
authenticity of the Major Work.) The Major Work Journal It may also
include: method of approach evidence of research and questioning
redrafts with reasons for any changes in direction examples or
indications of stimulus material and reflections on them in
relation to the development of the Major Work composition
reflection on the extent to which intentions were achieved
reflections on the finished product an annotated bibliography. The
Major Work Journal must be submitted with the Major Work. The
journal should be clearly labelled with the student number, school
number, the name of the Major Work and its medium print, sound,
visual or multimedia (see below).
Major Work Parameters The Major Work is an extended work or a
body of work that complies with the prescribed word or time
specifications. In some cases students will include visual images
(either original or non-original material) as an integral part of
the Major Work. Important: These will not be assessed on their
artistic merit but on the contribution they make to the completed
product.
All aspects of the Major Work and Reflection Statement
(regardless of media used) that are word-processed must conform to
the following presentation requirements: They should be presented
:on A4 paper and must use double spacing. Font should be size 12,
Arial or Times New Roman. Each page should be numbered. Cover Sheet
& BibliographyCover SheetA cover sheet should be included with
the school number; student number and title of the work(s).
BibliographyThe Board does not require the use of any particular
system of referencing for bibliographies and footnotes. Care should
be taken to use the selected system correctly and consistently.
Word limits for the Major Work (see below) do not include the
bibliography, footnotes or appendices. These need to be used
judiciously and not as a means of expanding the work.
The Reflection Statement The Reflection Statement is: Composed
at the end of the composition process and is a reflection on the
process and the completed product. It should be no less than 1000
words and no more than 1500.
It summarises the intention of the Major Work and the
relationship it has with the extensive independent investigation It
must include an outline of the intended audience for the Major Work
and the purpose for which it was composed.It supports the Major
Work, explaining the relationships of concept, structure, technical
and language features and conventions.It should explain the
development of concepts during the process of composition, making
the links clear between independent investigation and the
development of the finished ProductIt should indicate how the
student realised the concepts in the final product.
N.B. The Reflection Statement may be bound separately or at the
end of the Major Work.Criteria for marking the English Extension 2
Major Work and Reflection Statement The Major Work and the
Reflection Statement will be awarded separate marks, out of 40 and
10 respectively. Major Work marking criteria Textual integrity
Quality of insights and concepts, developed through independent
investigation, and the communication of developed ideas
Manipulation of features that shape meaning and response and
quality of engagement Reflection Statement marking criteria:
Explanation of the intended purpose and audience of the Major Work
Explanation of the impact of the extensive independent
investigation (including course influences) Evaluation of the
relationships of concept, structure, technical and language
features and conventions.
Important: Your reflection statement should inform your work but
your major work must stand on its own. At the marking centre the
two works are marked together. Both will be read before allocating
a mark out of 40 for the Major Work then the RS will be allocated a
mark based on its qualities out of 10.The Reflection Statement:
summarises the intent of the work and the relationship it has with
theextensive independent investigation
must include an outline of the intended audience for the Major
Work andthe purpose for which it was composed supports the Major
Work explaining the relationships of concept, structure,technical
and language features and conventions should explain the
development of concepts during the process ofcomposition making the
links clear between independent investigation and the development
of the finished product. should indicate how the student realised
the concepts in the final product.It will therefore call on
information that has been presented in each of the otherthree tasks
in terms of intent, work in progress during the process
ofinvestigation and composition, and on information contained in
the final report.Responses from teachers and students to the three
assessment tasks mayassist students in formulating their reflection
statement.The Major Work Print Medium Short Story(ies) Students
complete a short story or a selection of stories within a 6000 8000
word limit. The word limit does not include the Reflection
Statement (1000-1500 words)HSC assessment grid for English
Extension 2This assessment grid indicates the internal assessment
of English Extension 2. It shows the three required tasks and the
weighting requirements for each of the assessment
components.Schools may choose the timing of the tasks to suit their
particular needs, being mindful that the tasks and weightings for
each of the assessment components in the course are mandatory.Below
is the link to a suggested pattern for HSC School based assessment:
This may be exactly what your teachers are doing with
you.http://www.boardofstudies.nsw.edu.au/syllabus_hsc/english-ext2-assessment-schedule.html
Important Dates for Ext II EnglishThe date for completion of all
written work and submission to your teacher is August 19th The date
by which these completed works are expected at the Board of Studies
is August 24thAudiences for submitted worksWhen developing
performances and projects, students should be conscious of
thevarious audiences for their work. Although a project or work may
be developed with aparticular audience in mind, there are other
audiences who need to be considered.A principal audience for any
HSC work is the marking team who, as experienced teachers, have
been exposed to a wide range of styles and expressions in
theirdiscipline, and understand the nature of the subject and the
medium. It is notexpected, however, that markers should be
confronted by works and performancesthat the general adult
community would find offensive. Supervisors of Marking bring to the
Boards attention any examination responses that contain frivolous
orgratuitously objectionable material. Candidates are required to
address the published marking guidelines and ensure that the chosen
form and medium are appropriate tothe nature of the work.Audiences
for submitted worksSchools may decide that works developed for the
HSC will be presented for publicperformance or display. Principals
must be assured that the works presented are appropriate to the
understanding and expectations of the audience and their cultural
sensitivity. Consideration could be given to modifying or
withholding certain works from general public performance or
display.
Selecting works for HSC showcase events:
In its showcase programs, the Board of Studies includes HSC
works that reflect arange of topics, styles and forms. These works
often include material and styles that:are innovative, risk-taking
and original in approach. However, care must be taken toensure that
the content and presentation of the work is appropriate for a
generalaudience that may include a wide range of community members
including youngerstudents. N.B. Some works may be deemed unsuitable
in their original form for showcaseprograms, irrespective of the
marks they have received.Audiences for submitted worksWhile it is
understood that the nature of some performances and submitted
workschallenges established views, principals should ensure that
work submitted for theexamination does not cause offence. Teachers
have a vital role in ensuring that theprincipal is advised of the
nature and content of HSC works from an early stage. In this way
the students work may develop in a manner which takes into account
thevalues and standards of the general
community.http://www.boardofstudies.nsw.edu.au/manuals/pdf_doc/advice_hsc_performance_05.pdfLinks
with the English (Advanced) and English Extension 1
coursesCandidates compose a Major Work as an extension of the
knowledge, understanding and skills developed in the English
(Advanced) and English Extension 1 courses (p 92,English Stage 6
Syllabus). Candidates need to demonstrate that their work is an
extension of their other English courses and not an imitation of
the modules and electives studied.
Better Major Works were characterised by:
experimentation with form based on research of contemporary
short stories and literary theorycontrolled writing, understated
rather than melodramatica clear authentic voiceinteresting range of
topics, particularly in relation to setting and time
framesemotional engagement with the responderevidence of greater
background reading; not just within the HSC confinesoriginal
concepts explored with convictionclearly drawn characters an
empathic understanding of human nature.PRINT MEDIUMShort Stories:
General commentsSuccessful short stories were sustained responses
that were insightful and competent in the use of language and were
engaging to the audience. The most successful responses
demonstrated insightful use of investigation and seamlessly
integrated this into the Major Work. They developed an effective
use of voice and had a strong narrative that was
cohesive.Candidates commonly used a variety of structural forms.
They may have employed a single story or alternatively used a
series of vignettes. While there is no obvious advantage of one
over the other, successful candidates were capable of sustaining a
thread through the work such that there was a sustained thematic or
conceptual approach.While some candidates were successful in
composing with a postmodern approach there were those that branded
their work postmodern, using this to veil a disjointed and
incoherent Major Work.There was generally a wide range of ideas
explored including:stories based in historical periods, eg WWI,
1800s
Short Stories: General commentsstories regarding mental health
issues; often lacking sufficient researchstories containing
offensive and gratuitous violence with very little beyond the shock
valuestories of family breakdown/violence/incest/multiple
personality disorderscience fiction/fantasy genresteen angst is
still a common topic, but often inadequately investigateda
predominance of crime fiction, often with little research
basereligious themes.Candidates are reminded that independent
investigation into the concept, form and style of the Major Work
should be clearly demonstrated and detailed in the Reflection
Statement.Candidates are reminded that the short story should be
substantially a prose work. While exploration of form can enhance a
text, candidates should avoid including too much poetry or other
text types which may interfere with engagement with the work.Short
Story: Strengthsexperimentation with form based on research of
short stories and literary theorycontrolled writing, understated
rather than melodramaticsubtle expression of emotion and carefully
nuanced character and plot developmentmany extraordinary emotional
insightsinteresting range of topics, particularly in relation to
setting and time framesevidence of interest in particular
historical periods, which involved thorough research to create
authentic narrative voiceseffective attempts at humourclear concept
linked to audience and purpose, realised effectively through
thoughtful manipulation of techniquescontrol of language, evocative
imageryconcept appropriate for word lengthpleasing evidence of
range of theoretical bases in the workShort Story:
WeaknessesWeaknesseslacked an original idea or focus was a
clichreliance on personal experience and consequently lacked depth
or variety of approachmultiple voices were poorly handledinadequate
investigation into formscant evidence of any connection to English
course workoverwritten, verbose and ostentatious work in an attempt
to impressnon-linear plot can be overdone, impacting negatively on
meaning and coherencepostmodern attempts often disorganised,
contrived and meaninglesslack of awareness of contexts to which the
texts alluded, or little awareness of literary
traditions/theoryinadequate or over long scriptsclaims made in the
Reflection Statement not always clearly evident in the Major
WorkShort Story: Weaknessesnarrow thematic and textual bounds
affecting the depth and impact of the workcrime fiction led to a
propensity for stereotyping, predictability and clichtoo ambitious
with the scope of their work, attempting to be too clever, or to
integrate too many critical theories/styles, rather than perhaps
focusing on crafting a simple human storyciting texts/material that
had little or no impact on the workuse of footnotes when not
neededworks which did not exhibit elements of a short story, eg
biography, memoirattaching annotated bibliographies which is not a
course requirement and should be in the journalinadequate journals
which do not show engagement with investigation
downloads/photocopies simply pasted in is not sufficient to
demonstrate processgeneral deterioration in the quality of writing
(the mechanics) including:problems with the use of prepositionspoor
control of tensewords used imprecisely (apart from obvious
malapropisms)