Why your English mark counts towards your ATAR

As the only compulsory HSC subject and the only two units that definitely count towards your ATAR, a lot of emphasis is put on English – and for very good reasons. Studying English provides you with opportunities to develop skills that will assist you throughout your life.

Effective written and verbal communication skills

Expressing yourself concisely and with clarity is an essential skill that is necessary for a range of jobs and career paths.

Ability to think critically and creatively

Learning to evaluate texts, clarify concepts, imagine alternatives and experiment with modes of expression builds capabilities in critical and creative thinking.

Enhanced collaboration skills

Studying English develops everyday literacies – including speaking and listening skills – that facilitate effective teamwork.

Broaden capacity for cultural understanding

By engaging with texts from diverse historical, cultural and social contexts, English students develop an understanding of themselves and their world.

English helps with other subjects

English develops reading comprehension and extends vocabulary, which helps to interpret content – no matter what the subject area.

Lastly, English language proficiency is an admission requirement for all tertiary courses offered through UAC. Australian Year 12 students who have studied English in the HSC do not need to prove their proficiency.