What are the opportunities and tensions that these curricula present for teachers, young people, and wider society?
This session is for teachers, English departments, school/college curriculum leaders and researchers/practitioners interested in exploring the English curriculum. With a focus on exploring the English curriculum within the four home nations, we very much welcome attendance from colleagues from all corners and regions of the UK. Becky Morris and Wendy Ramku will share some findings from their recent analysis of current English curriculum policy in England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales. This short presentation will then feed into a wider discussion with attendees about the aims, role and construction of secondary English, and the extent to which the curriculum facilitates and/or hampers positive learning experiences and outcomes for young people across the UK.
By the end of the session, participants will:
- Understand some key similarities and differences in secondary subject English curricula across the UK
- Explore the strengths and challenges associated with the contemporary English curriculum
- Consider the role of teachers and other actors (e.g. young people, communities) in supporting and enabling curriculum design and implementation.
- Have opportunities to share and reflect upon practical insights and experiences of the English curriculum in their contexts.
- Learn about further research in this space, including opportunities for schools, teachers and young people to contribute.
Before the session, please take a look at Morris R. and Ramku W (2025). ‘English across the four nations: Morris,R., & Ramku,W. (2025). English across the four nations: A ‘home international’ comparison of secondary English curricula in the UK. The Curriculum Journal, 00, 1–21. https://doi.org/10.1002/curj.70021. You can also find a summary of the paper in the Journal of the Chartered College of Teaching.
After the session, you will receive a list of recommended further reading plus some reflection questions to keep your thinking going.
Speakers
Becky Morris is a researcher and teacher in the School of Education, Learning and Communication Sciences at the University of Warwick. Her research focuses on education policy and practice, and recently has explored topics relating to curriculum, the pupil premium, teacher shortage, initial teacher education, English/literacy, and post-16 GCSE resits. Becky is a former secondary English teacher, and is currently developing a programme of work focusing on subject English and its place within our 21st century society.
Wendy Ramku is a postgraduate research student and research assistant at the University of Warwick. She has worked on multiple interdisciplinary projects revolving around themes such as subject English, international students, academic misconduct, and inclusion. She has produced several related outputs and is currently researching the Equality Act 2010 and marriage and civil partnership as a protected characteristic. Wendy studied English & Philosophy for her undergraduate programme, and has an MSc in Data Visualisation.
