In light of recent concerns in the United States and the United Kingdom regarding the rote and restrictive nature of English literature instruction, this article offers an approach to teaching literature rooted not in knowledge, as literary pedagogy is often conceptualised, but instead in understanding. Reading for understanding extends beyond…

The recent inclusion of texts by a range of Black British writers in GCSE English Literature syllabuses seems an attempt to rectify historical racial inequities in English curricula. In this paper, I argue that curricular change must move beyond diversity and inclusion initiatives towards anti-racist approaches where we "tell it how it…

In this paper, we examine the ways in which the conceptualisation of literature and literary study encoded in the inaugural secondary school English syllabus in New South Wales (NSW), Australia can be seen to anticipate the conceptualisation so fervently enunciated in "The Teaching of English in England" -- the Newbolt Report of 1921.…

This practitioner inquiry study investigates learning from the stories of emergent bilingual students as they complete project based learning units. This method of instruction created the space to have one-on-one conversations, listen in culturally responsive ways, and develop asset-based literacy curriculum. I argue that relationships formed…

Although not a new discussion in the Irish context, the value of oral language development has recently gained prominence again in Irish Post-Primary English classrooms. In this article we present how the recent introduction of Junior Cycle English, which now includes an Oral Communication Classroom Based Assessment () is renewing efforts to…

Calls for a recasting of English in tune with changes that new digital technologies are heralding. Argues that it will be essential for children to acquire skills such as selecting, sequencing, manipulating and re-forming texts and to co-ordinate different layers of meaning. (NH)

Mittins notes the value of the article by F. C. Stork (CS 715 590), adds observations about the neglect and the difficulty of English language study, and comments on Stork's suggestions for language study in secondary schools. Torbe challenges Stork's premises, raising questions about the content, objectives, value, and difficulty of language…

Considers the arguments for seeing work rather than response as key to the poetic experience. Explains the development of such experience in the classroom. Notes that this is worth exploring not only in terms of literacy curriculum, but with respect to curriculum as a whole, since poetry is often invoked as an important resource for the…

Argues that Curriculum 2000 fails to address the complexity of modern life. Agues that there are substantial gaps in the curriculum which derive mainly from British government policy being premised on crude and obsolete notions of English identity. Notes that this severely constrains English educators' ability to construct a critical curriculum…

Calls for the study of language in secondary schools, discusses components of language study, notes the failure of the Bullock Report to point out the importance of language study, and discusses four characteristics of language that could serve as starting points for the study of language in secondary schools. (GT)

Describes procedures used by a group of teachers in Sheffield, England, in developing a syllabus for English instruction. Discusses details of the syllabus and indicates assessment methods that were established. (GT)

Provides a personal account of Great Britain's National Curriculum Committee's English Evaluation Project based at Warwick University. Describes the way the interim and final results of the committee were used by higher powers. (HB)