In 1976, following the recommendations of the Campbell Report, school based course development and assessment replaced the New South Wales Higher School Certificate courses and public examinations in the Australian Capital Territory. By 1984 the benefits of the new system were very clear in the area of English curriculum at Years 11 and 12 level. The hopes of the Campbell Report have been fulfilled in terms of providing students with greater freedom of choice and flexibility in the selection of options. Assessment instruments have become much more wide ranging. Teacher student relationships have become less authoritarian. Teaching strategies and learning approaches have generally made students more active participants in the learning process. The field study drew on English course documents in the senior secondary colleges, presenting an overview of the workings of the English curriculum.