...I love books so why do I hate studying English GCSE?
We need to inject creativity back in the classroom, we need a route of learning that can inspire. We need books that bring up intense messages of modern themes: sexism, racism, homosexuality. I strongly believe literature is the route to giving teenagers a voice about these themes. It’s not even like these books don’t exist; I can think of hundreds on the spot. Highlights in my classroom are the debates we have, where people who otherwise sit in a corner and highlight their pages have their voices heard after being inspired by literature. This year, every sentence analysed goes towards an exam. To gain full marks, it’s all about knowing what to write, how to analyse – and the sad thing is that this is how intelligence is now measured. By how well you can describe the effect of the iambic pentameter, not by a real opinion on Romeo’s values or how substantial his love really is.
" that bring up intense messages of modern themes: sexism, racism, homosexuality"
ReplyDeleteI'd say that she should learn not to use expressions such as "intense messages of modern themes" or "voice about these themes" before she gets to determine the curriculum. She might also have a look at Twelfth Night, Othello, and the sonnets before judging the modernity of her chosen themes.
Having said that, I have seen what a bad teacher can do with Shakespeare (or non Shakespearean pentameter), and it isn't pretty.