Blackman, author of the Noughts And Crosses series, said the promotion of books which are “more relevant and relatable” to young people’s lives could encourage more children to read for pleasure. In a foreword to a report for the Lit in Colour campaign, Blackman said no child should feel that studying English at school is irrelevant because “they never see themselves” reflected in the literature they read. The campaign – created by Penguin Books in 2020 in partnership with The Runnymede Trust – aims to help schools make the teaching and learning of English Literature more inclusive of writers of colour.

In a new study, commissioned by Penguin and exam board Pearson Edexcel, University of Oxford researchers assessed the Lit in Colour Pioneers pilot which supports schools to change their set texts to increase the number of pupils studying a text by an author of colour for their GCSE examination. Teachers reported to researchers that the choice of texts from authors of colour enabled “greater cognitive engagement” on the part of students. Hayley Robathan, head of English at UTC Derby, said the introduction of Blackman’s Boys Don’t Cry to the syllabus in 2021 – after signing up to the campaign’s pilot – has had a positive impact on GCSE students.

It’s a powerful message that resonates with people, it’s a story that needs to be told.”

This quote highlights the impact of “Boys Don’t Cry” on the speaker’s career and emphasizes the power of the film’s message. The speaker, likely a teacher, is passionate about the film and its message. They recognize its importance in breaking down societal norms and encouraging open conversations about men’s mental health.

This statement highlights the importance of diverse voices in storytelling. It emphasizes that stories told by authors from different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives can resonate with a wider audience. The Lit in Colour Pioneers Pilot research, a study conducted by the organization, provides evidence to support this claim.

It’s about giving our children the tools to navigate the world.”

This statement highlights the importance of a diverse curriculum in English language arts (ELA) education. Let’s delve deeper into why this is crucial and how it benefits students. **Why Diversity Matters in ELA Curriculum**

A diverse curriculum in ELA is not just about including books from different cultures and backgrounds.

These new texts were chosen to reflect the changing demographics of the exam board’s student population. The new set texts are diverse in terms of genre, theme, and cultural background. They include novels, plays, poetry, and prose. The texts are chosen to provide a wider range of perspectives and experiences for students to explore. The new set texts are designed to be accessible to students of all backgrounds and abilities.

* The summary reveals that the publishing industry is aware of the lack of diversity in its set texts.

In July, the Department for Education (DfE) launched its Curriculum and Assessment Review. In its general election manifesto, Labour promised to deliver a curriculum which is “rich and broad, inclusive, and innovative”. The Government’s ambition is for the review to make sure children benefit from a curriculum that represents them and their families. Sarah Hannafin, head of policy at school leaders’ union NAHT, said: “If pupils are to be inspired by what they are taught, they need to be able to relate to it. “The proof of that is in the pudding when it comes to the eye-catching results of this pilot, which shows the importance of young people being able to access a diverse range of learning resources.

This means that our schools should be inclusive and welcoming spaces that celebrate diversity and foster a sense of belonging. Schools should be places where students can learn, grow, and thrive, regardless of their background, identity, or abilities. This requires a commitment to equity and justice, ensuring that all students have equal access to quality education and opportunities.

“There will always be a case for classic literature but we have to achieve a better balance with more space for diverse contemporary works.”