In response to student and teacher feedback around the lack of diversity of British texts at KS4, we are delighted to announce the addition of two new novels, two new plays and a new poetry collection to our Pearson Edexcel GCSE (9-1) English Literature text list.
We want to ensure that students are being exposed to literature from a variety of British authors, from different backgrounds, and are reading about contemporary issues that they can engage with and relate to.
Although we already have more than 25% of GCSE texts by authors from ethnic minority backgrounds, we remain committed to maximising diversity in curriculum and will continue to engage students and teachers through webinars, conferences and training, to help us build a more inclusive education system.
If you're interested in teaching our new texts but have a few questions, please fill out our form and we can go through all of the support available for you.
Introducing...
The Empress by Tanika Gupta (2013)
Blending the true story of Queen Victoria’s relationship with Abdul Karim with the experiences of the Indian ayahs who came to Britain during the 19th century, The Empress brings a hidden part of British history to life.
Refugee Boy by Benjamin Zephaniah and adapted for the stage by Lemn Sissay (2013)
A story about arriving, belonging and finding home. As a violent civil war rages back home in Ethopia, teenager Alem and his father are in a B&B in Berkshire. We follow his character and the struggles he faces as a refugee in England.
We've created a new scheme of work with accompanying drama activities to help get you started with teaching this play. Download below:
Coram Boy by Jamila Gavin (2004)
Set in the mid-18th century from the true story of Captain Thomas Coram, who founded the Coram Hospital to foster orphans in London. This story is about the central character’s internal conflict with the instructions his father gives him.
Boys Don’t Cry by Malorie Blackman (2011)
A hard-hitting novel that revolves around two brothers and their widowed father. The themes of family relationships, in particular those between father and son, are explored in the novel.
Belonging in collaboration with The Poetry Society
A new collection of 15 poems that each reflect a sense of belonging, whether it be through identity, culture, heritage, nature or friendship.
Anita and Me by Meera Syal (2012)
A story following nine-year-old Meena, the daughter of the only Punjabi family in the mining village of Tollington. We follow her experience being caught between two cultures.
You can download key documents below:
Let us know what you think of our new additions either through our Facebook page @pearsonedexcelenglish, via #DiversityInLit or on Twitter @PearsonTeachEng
Find out more about switching to Pearson Edexcel English Literature
We're committed to helping schools diversify their English curriculum. If you'd like to teach any of our new texts, let us know so we can support you.
