HSC English syllabus changes

Hundreds of pupils gathered to benefit from experienced teachers' help and knowledge as they prepare for their Higher School Certificate exams.

Organised by the NSW English Teachers Association's Peel Valley branch, the day was held at Farrer high school.

There was advice and tuition from regional teachers, former HSC markers and people who'd been involved in developing the new English syllabus.

Branch president and Calrossy Anglican School English head teacher Sarah Warby said: "Normally an opportunity like this would only be afforded to students who had the ability and means to attend such days in Sydney."

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"It's all about sharing knowledge, insight and support for these students as they approach the last stage of their secondary schooling journey."

About 700 students from 16 schools attended, plus more than 50 teachers, from locations including Tamworth, Armidale, Manilla, Uralla, Guyra and Quirindi.

Ms Warby said recent changes to the HSC English syllabus made a day such as this even more valuable.

"Not only is it still content-focused - looking at rich and diverse texts from Shakespeare through to contemporary Australian literature - but it has a very heavy focus on the ability of students to craft writing in a variety of different ways, to demonstrate their ability to have a variety of different voices in their work," she said.

"That aspect of the course is challenging, so to bring everyone together in this way is quite affirming, that we've been on the right path and students of our region are going to be competitive with those across the state."