A 6000 word science fiction short story about cyberpunk from our current time narrated through the futuristic lens of an academic in the 2300s. An eight minute film exploring human interactions within built and nautral world landscapes. A suite of poetry weaving its thread through the historical mythology of Viking culture, and a creative deep dive into the ubiquitous yet intensely personal nightmare of insomnia. 

These are just a few of the literary major works recently submitted by our largest ever cohort of Year 12 HSC English Extension 2 students to the National Education Standards Authority (NESA), says Mr David Conway, Head of English. 

‘For each student, 16 in total this year, creating an English Extension 2 major work has been a considerable undertaking based on a personal passion project. 

‘Students are tasked to come up with their own theme for a piece of work, whether it be a non-fiction short story, a critical response or essay, a film, a script or a body of poetry. I call them passion projects because it is a body of work that generally takes 10 months to complete from Term 4 of Year 11, so our students need to feel passionate about their subject matter.’ 

Alongside these major works, English Extension 2 students are also required to write a 1500 word reflection statement, Mr Conway adds. 

‘In this they need to talk about how they settled on the idea for their work, the influences that inspired them and the means they used to be innovative in their writings, all framed around the purpose of their major work.’ 

Newington students historically excel in English Extension 2 which is growing in popularity and uptake year on year. In 2024 the work of students Harry Board, Stylianos Vasili and Henry Rigg-Smith was nominated for NESA’s English Extension 2 Young Writers Showcase. Henry’s piece, a short story of jazz fusion prose, A New Kind of Walk, drew on the early life of jazz musician Ray Charles. It was  later selected to appear alongside works by just 18 other HSC students across NSW for inclusion in the final Showcase.  

For those considering selecting to study English Extension 2 in Year 12, an ability to innovate and a motivation to develop personal voice as a writer are useful capabilities, advises Mr Conway. 

‘The thing that sets English Extension 2 students apart is you need concepts and ideas that bring an innovative take on the form for your major work that is going to inspire you, and others who read your work, when it comes to marking it. 

‘The works that stand out all have something unique about them often through their use of personal voice, innovation through the way the piece is constructed and a genuine passion and palpable interest in the subject.  

For students who enjoy writing, and the written word, English Extension 2 is a real confidence builder because with so many words you need to get out, you can really develop your own voice in writing or film making.’ 

This year’s English Extension 2 students will show their major works Friday 10 September from 6.00pm in OBLT. 

To read more about the opportunities available to English Extension 2 students click here and here.

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