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…

Despite a reported sociocultural shift in the public perception of rights affecting LGBTQ+ individuals and some changes in governmental policies and laws, there has not yet been a resulting shift in the overall K-12 pedagogical paradigm. Within the classroom, LGBTQ+ individuals and students growing up in LGBTQ+ households are frequently and…

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.…

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…

There has been a long-standing debate about how 'English' can be defined. Educational policy changes have typically been driven by differing representations of the subject, and have ranged from broad 'aesthetic' definitions to more narrow 'functional' views. The present study aims to analyse areas of consensus and contention in stakeholders'…

The Commission Four report, one of a series of conference reports of the National Association for the Teaching of English (NATE), is concerned with the developing language needs of the whole younger generation from preschool to adult life. (RB)

Critically examines the theoretical and practical considerations involved in the setting up of a humanities interdisciplinary curriculum with a strong English component. (RB)

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)

Proposes that English be taught as a unified course throughout the school years with challenging standards and options for those who want them but centering on the English language and exploring ourselves and our world. (TO)

Describes the Leicester Special A-Level English Syllabus. (TO)

Discusses the meaning of "talk" in the classroom, including the planning and evaluation of lessons designed to foster talk. (AA)

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…

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)