Leading the way in diversity
We’re proud to be leading the way in diversifying the English curriculum
A truly diverse curriculum is about more than just the texts on a specification. Which is why, for the past three years, we’ve been working with schools, publishers, and academics to make a real difference.
Our work in classrooms and education communities across the country is underpinned by three core beliefs. These beliefs lay the foundations for not only what we have already done in supporting schools with successfully diversifying the curriculum, but what we’ll continue to do.
Our beliefs
1. We believe in choice and representation
When studying literature, students will have the opportunity to encounter a range of voices, including the opportunity to see themselves reflected in the curriculum.
Our Literature GCSE offers the broadest and most representative choice of all awarding bodies. In 2019, we added four new texts and a new poetry collection to our GCSE English Literature without removing any of the existing text choices.
2. We believe in giving teachers and students the support they need
As you navigate the complexities of Diversity Equity and Inclusion, we will support you in the development of a broader and richer curriculum that your students need and deserve.
Together with Penguin Books UK and the Runnymede Trust, we are leading the way in diversifying the English curriculum.
Our Lit in Colour Pioneers Pilot programme has enabled over 200 schools to diversify their curriculum effectively by providing free access to set texts, a library donation of 300 books, and a comprehensive programme of support.
With Oxford University, we’re now conducting the first large study into the impact of studying diverse texts on students and teachers. We’ve also partnered with The Royal Shakespeare Company and the Black Curriculum so that we can continue to work together to effect positive change for diversity, equality and inclusion.
3. We believe we have to act now - there is no time to lose
We believe change is overdue; no time should be lost in providing students with texts that reflect the society we live in.
With our Lit in Colour Pioneers Pilot programme, 24,000 students are already enriching their learning by studying books by writers of colour.
Our first cohort of students sat their exams in summer 2022, meaning we now have a wide range of student exemplars and feedback to support teachers and students.
Our 2022 Lit in Colour student conference reached over 11,000 students with an overwhelmingly positive response. We want to continue to inspire students to be part of the change they want to see.
“Our pupils have been really enthusiastic in response to the Lit in Colour programme and we feel strongly that it makes us all more compassionate, emotionally intelligent, and inclusive in our attitudes and beliefs.”
- Tabatha Sheehan, Westonbirt School
