IT is not yet HSC time for these girls, but they are on the way to tackling difficult texts so they are ready for the future.
The year 10 English students, who are among the top in their school's age group, represent a strong part of their school's forward-thinking culture that encourages teenagers to be critics in the classroom.
As masters of classics like King Lear, A Doll's House and To Kill a Mockingbird, the girls have already become confident critical writers.
The NSW Board of Studies states that a "critically literate" student should be able to argue and analyse texts by questioning representation through opinion.
Bethany College English co-ordinator Con Raptis said this was certainly the case in his classroom, where his students took over discussions.
"A lot of what we do is guided by the HSC syllabus, but while we can't teach it to these girls yet, we make links by getting them to understand how to think critically, sooner than later," he said.
"Critical literacy is not a new thing — we've always done it because it gives students a taste of tertiary level education.
"But it's about making it interesting and relevant because English can be one of those subjects where there can be a huge mental block.
"The challenge is to expand understanding across a range of students — not only the better ones."
He said females had a natural talent for exploring the deeper issues of texts, such as gender or racial inequality.
"I've taught boys, who are generally more focused on maths and science," he said. "Maybe there's a maturity level with the girls where they seem to grasp critical thinking better.
"Some schools are also more results-driven and not too fussed on thinking things through. But there should be a balance."
Cronulla High School English head teacher Edward Price said the ability to think deeply about the world was a crucial skill in an "information-saturated age".
"Moreover, it remains a source of pleasure, like discussing the merits of a film you have seen with a friend," he said.
Does critical awareness have a place in the classroom?