Lit_Happens Podcast

In this episode we’re diving into how NSW senior English teachers can make the most of staff development days in 2026. As we navigate the implementation of the new English Stage 6 syllabuses (with the first HSC exams in 2027), these SDDs are a golden opportunity to refine our teaching approaches, address past HSC challenges, and strengthen our collaborative teams. We explore practical ways to turn...

Welcome back to Season 2 of Lit Happens! As we step into 2026, senior English teachers across NSW are gearing up for the exciting transition to the new English Stage 6 syllabuses (implemented from 2026, with first HSC exams in 2027). In this season opener, we revisit the essentials of classroom preparation – now with a fresh focus on aligning your physical and mental space to the renewed emphasis...

Tune in to Lit Happens, where we, two dedicated HSC English educators, guide English teachers through assessing the Reading to Write unit in Year 11 Advanced English under the 2026 syllabus.  This episode unpacks phases 4-6, focusing on critical connections, creative composition, and assessment preparation with practical activities and strategies to build sophisticated writers for the 2027 HSC. We...

Tune in to Lit Happens, where we, two dedicated HSC English educators, guide English teachers through our new Reading to Write resource for Year 11 Advanced English under the 2026 syllabus. This episode explores the first 4-5 weeks of this malleable tool, designed to alleviate time constraints for programming the new unit, with flexible activities, scaffolds, and strategies to build critical and c...

Tune in to Lit Happens, where we, two dedicated HSC English educators, guide English teachers through strategies to improve written expression in formal academic writing for Stage 6 students. This episode addresses common struggles, programming approaches, academic tone challenges, classroom strategies, and leveraging resources like Google Scholar and JSTOR to elevate student work for the 2027 HSC...

Tune in to Lit Happens, where we, two dedicated HSC English educators, guide English teachers through intentional programming for Stage 6, focusing on the phases of learning to build conceptual, critical, and creative thinkers.  This episode explores how to structure lessons for engagement, analysis, composition, and assessment readiness, aligning with the 2026 syllabus for the 2027 HSC. We contin...

Mastering HSC Descriptors for Band 6 Essay Writing (Refresher) - Lit Happens Ep 44! Tune in to Lit Happens, where we, two dedicated HSC English educators, demystify HSC English band descriptors for teachers and students.  This episode breaks down what separates Band 4 from Band 5 and Band 6 responses, exploring how descriptors guide marking, assessment design, lesson planning, and student growth f...

Tune in to Lit Happens, where we, two dedicated HSC English educators, guide Standard English teachers through the Reading to Write unit for Year 11, building essential skills for the 2027 HSC.  This episode unpacks the unit’s purpose, outcomes, content breakdown, text suggestions, classroom activities, and tips to bridge reading and writing effectively. We continue with our LIT OR QUIT segment in...

Tune in to Lit Happens, where we, two dedicated HSC English educators, guide English teachers through the new Reading to Write unit for Year 11 Advanced English under the 2026 syllabus. This episode unpacks the purpose, outcomes, core content, textual concepts, and programming strategies to build critical and creative thinkers ready for the 2027 HSC. We continue with our LIT OR QUIT segment in its...

Australian English teachers, elevate your Years 7 to 12 students’ performance in yearly examinations with Lit Happens Episode 41. Two dedicated educators from Sydney share practical strategies to teach comprehension, essay writing, and creative tasks, drawing on NSW examples applicable nationwide. From Year 7 grammar to Year 12 curriculum-aligned responses, this episode equips teachers with tools...

Tune in to Lit Happens, where we, two dedicated HSC English educators, guide English teachers through the revitalised Reading to Write syllabus for Year 11, setting the stage for the 2027 HSC. This episode explores why this module is crucial, how to teach language and context analysis, and strategies for building persuasive, discursive, and imaginative writing skills, all while boosting student co...

Tune in to Lit Happens, where we, two dedicated HSC English educators, guide English teachers through the critical final stretch of HSC exam preparation. This episode dives into why final prep matters, time management, crafting strong essays, mastering short-answer questions, and boosting student confidence for the 2024 syllabus (Common Module, Modules, Craft of Writing).  We continue with our LIT...

Tune in to Lit Happens, where we, two dedicated HSC English educators, guide English teachers through the practical and professional side of teaching. This episode blends NSW Teacher Standards with actionable classroom strategies, time-saving hacks, and wellbeing tips to keep you thriving. Whether you’re planning lessons, assessing work, or seeking a reassuring voice, we’ve got you covered for all...

Tune in to Lit Happens, where we, two dedicated HSC English educators, guide English teachers through the exciting updates to the Extension English course for the 2027 HSC. This episode is a must-listen for understanding the new syllabus structure, assessment changes, prescribed texts, and teaching strategies across Years 11 and 12, with a fresh focus on cultural values, author studies, and divers...

Tune in to Lit Happens, where we, two dedicated HSC English educators, guide teachers through the Common Module: Texts and Human Experiences, mandatory for all Year 12 English courses in the 2027 HSC. This episode is essential for understanding how texts reveal human emotions, identity, and cultural perspectives, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander narratives, with practical strategies...

Tune in to Lit Happens, where we, two dedicated HSC English educators, guide teachers through the new English Studies Stage 6 syllabus, implemented from 2026 and assessed in 2027. This episode is essential for understanding the updated curriculum’s focus on literacy, real-world applications, and Aboriginal voices, along with text selections, assessments, and programming strategies to prepare stude...

Tune in to Lit Happens, where we, two dedicated HSC English educators, guide teachers through the critical topic of mental health and mindfulness in the teaching profession. This episode is vital for understanding the pressures faced by teachers, offering practical strategies to manage stress, avoid burnout, and foster a supportive school environment. With teaching’s emotional and administrative d...

Tune in to Lit Happens, where we, two dedicated HSC English educators, guide Standard English teachers through preparing for the new syllabus, implemented from 2026 and assessed in 2027. This episode is essential for understanding the updated study patterns, text selections, assessments, and planning strategies to ensure Band 5/6 success in the HSC trials. The shift to a refreshed curriculum makes...

Tune in to Lit Happens, where we, two dedicated HSC English educators, guide Advanced English teachers through selecting and sequencing textual combinations for the new 2024 syllabus, implemented from 2026. This episode is crucial for understanding how to align texts with the syllabus’s diversity and module requirements, preparing students for Band success in the HSC course. The new framework offe...

Tune in to Lit Happens, where we, two dedicated HSC English educators, guide you through the rationale and structure of the new 2024 syllabus for Stage 6 English, set for implementation from 2026 across all levels, including Advanced, Standard, EALD, and Studies. This episode is vital for understanding how the syllabus aims to enrich students' academic and personal lives through language and liter...

Tune in to Lit Happens, where we, two dedicated HSC English educators, guide you through mastering Module C, Section III of Paper 2, preparing all students for the HSC trial examinations. This episode is crucial for unlocking Band 5/6 strategies to excel in The Craft of Writing, building confidence and skills for examination success. Performing well in Module C can significantly enhance your trial...

Lit Happens Episode 29: S.O.S Trials! - Module B Mastery - Band 6 Hacks for HSC Paper 2 Section II Tune in to Lit Happens, where we, two dedicated HSC English educators, guide you through mastering Module B essay strategies, preparing all students for the HSC trial examinations. This episode is essential for unlocking Band 6 techniques to address Section II of Paper 2, building confidence and skil...

Tune in to Lit Happens, where we, two passionate HSC English educators, guide you through mastering Module A, Section I of Paper 2, preparing all students for the HSC trial examinations. This episode is vital for unlocking the secrets of textual conversations, offering strategies to achieve Band 5/6 success in this 40-minute section. Excelling in Module A can elevate your trial performance, making...

Tune in to Lit Happens, where we, two passionate HSC English educators, guide you through the often-misunderstood Paper 1, Section I of the HSC English exam, empowering all students to succeed. This episode is essential for unlocking the secrets of unseen texts and short-answer questions, providing strategies to boost your marks and build confidence for exam day. Mastering this section is critical...

Tune in to Lit Happens, where we, two passionate HSC English educators, guide you through the often-misunderstood Paper 1, Section I of the HSC English exam, empowering all students to succeed. This episode is essential for unlocking the secrets of unseen texts and short-answer questions, providing strategies to boost your marks and build confidence for exam day. Mastering this section is critical...