Recommendation 33

The Curriculum and Assessment Review was a missed opportunity to create more space for pupils to develop a true enjoyment of reading and literature. The Committee has received evidence that the current GCSE English Literature curriculum is overloaded and that children are being put off reading for pleasure as a result. This is also reflected in falling numbers of pupils taking A Level English literature and going on to study the subject at university. The government must rebalance the education system so that reading is no longer driven primarily by assessment, but also focuses on engagement, identity and enjoyment. In particular, the GCSE English Literature curriculum must be revised to include a core objective of ensuring that pupils finish key stage four having developed a love of and interest in books and literature. (Conclusion, Paragraph 141)