Majority of teachers want more diverse syllabus texts, Lit in Colour research shows

The majority of teachers want more diverse and representative texts to be incorporated into the English syllabus according to new research released by Pearson, ahead of the publisher’s launch of the second year of the Lit in Colour Pioneers programme with Penguin Random House (PRH).

The research, conducted independently by pollster Teacher Tapp, found diverse texts top the list of teachers’ desired changes in both secondary and primary schools (at 80% and 69% respectively). Respondents also expressed a desire for more modern texts and content (59% and 47% at secondary and primary) to be covered in the curriculum.

The study likewise highlighted concerns that certain key groups of pupils are more likely than others to think that English and associated careers are not accessible or appealing, including those from disadvantaged backgrounds (45%), pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (42%), Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic pupils (21%), boys (19%) and LGBTQ+ pupils (9%).

The first ever Lit in Colour Pioneers programme was launched last year and supported 119 GCSE and A Level year groups nationwide to diversify their English Literature curricula, resulting in direct outreach to almost 12,000 UK students. It is opening for applications again in February and will support any school or college looking to diversify their English Literature curriculum by changing to a text by a writer of colour from Pearson’s A level or GCSE set texts in September 2022. Publishers Bloomsbury, Hachette, HarperCollins, Serpent’s Tail, Farshore, Nick Hern Books, Concord Theatricals Ltd and Penguin will once again join forces to donate books to participating schools.

As part of the Pioneers programme, participating schools receive extensive guidance and resources for teaching GCSE and A Level English Literature set texts by Black, Asian and minority ethnic writers, including the four new GCE texts that have been introduced by Pearson for first teaching in September 2022, as well as free access to copies of chosen set texts for every student in the relevant year group donated by publishers. 

These include The Empress by Tanika Gupta (Bloomsbury), The Color Purple by Alice Walker (Hachette), Boys Don’t Cry by Malorie Blackman (Penguin), Coram Boy by Jamila Gavin (Farshore), The Snap GCSE Revision Guide for Coram Boy (Collins), Sweat by Lynn Nottage (Nick Hern Books) and The Cutting Season by Attica Locke (Serpent’s Tail). Though not a set text, copies of August Wilson’s Fences, donated by Concord Theatricals Ltd, will also be provided.

The programme will also offer training webinars for teachers and school librarians, plus qualification-switching support and training where required, as well as support programmes of work for each set text, with creative content from authors including videos and a range of specific resources. In addition, schools can receive a Lit in Colour mini library including 300 free Penguin books by writers of colour designed for all age groups, together with colourful posters and artwork and a reading for pleasure club

In addition to the bespoke support being given to Pioneer schools, the  programme also offers free access to related online training events and workshops for all secondary schools across the UK, as well as free digital teaching resources.

Katy Lewis, head of English, drama and languages at Pearson, added: “In its first year, the Pioneers programme took huge strides in encouraging schools to switch to more diverse curricula, supporting much-needed conversations around ethnicity, representation and the student experience. Over 25% of our GCSE set texts at Pearson comprise authors of colour, including Meera Syal, Benjamin Zephaniah and Lemn Sissay. Our new GCE texts support our desire to increase female and global non-majority representation with the introduction of authors Lorraine Hansberry, Lynne Nottage, Kamila Shamsie and Attica Locke. By continuing this exciting partnership with Penguin and a host of fantastic publishers, we can work to inspire and empower more UK teachers, and keep the drive for diversity in motion.”

Zaahida Nabagereka, Lit in Colour programme manager, said: “The reception and engagement we have seen so far from participating schools has been brilliant; we’ve had messages from librarians who received their mini library donations excited to share the new books with students, but also from students saying they felt inspired after attending an author event. Having students be able to ask Malorie Blackman about the characters in her novel Boys Don’t Cry was a great opportunity. The rerun of the Pioneers pilot for 2022 is very exciting as we are continuing to move forward with our goal to normalise Black, Asian and minority ethnic writers within the Literature curriculum by providing the necessary tools to teachers and students.”

Schools can register their interest for the Lit in Colour Pioneers programme at here.