SQA updates school Higher and National 5 English reading list 'to reflect modern Scotland'

High school pupils studying English are being given a more diverse range of books, plays and poems to study that better “reflect a modern Scotland”.

For the first time in eight years, the SQA has updated the reading list for pupils studying English at Higher and Nat 5 level to include a wider variety of contemporary voices.

Published ahead of St Andrews Day, the list still includes classic works but will also give the choice of new titles including Gaelic language play Sequamur, works by author Jenni Fagan, poets Imtiaz Dharkar and Kathleen Jamie.

It followed an extensive consultation that heard the views of teachers, learners, and literary experts from across the country.

Author Ely Percy wrote Duck Feet, which follows a teenager’s experience of high school in Renfrew.

Yellow Moon by David Greig has been added to the SQA English reading list STV News

The book, which is written in Scots, is a new addition to the National 5 set text list.

Ely told STV News: “I thought winning a Saltire book prize was the biggest thing that would ever happened to me.

“How can you beat that? But now kids in schools are going to be reading my work. It’s amazing.

“The book covers everything from bullying, drug addiction, alcoholism to sitting your exams and sexuality.

“I had publishers who came to me and said this is written in slang, it has spelling mistakes and if you change the style, then we would be interested. I told them absolutely not. This is the way I speak, the way that school kids speak. I wanted it to be authentic. It just couldn’t be written any other way.”

The poetry of Norman McCaig and Carol Ann Duffy is currently homework for this group of fifth year students from Lourdes Secondary School in Cardonald in Glasgow.

As part of their English courses, pupils must study at least one Scottish text.

The list was last updated in 2018 and for the first time, learners had a say on what should be included.

Amelia Farren said: “It feels a bit like it belongs to us in a way. I like it when its enclosed in that way. It’s like I’m being told a secret, in a way. I like it when its creatively written and not just a boring text.”

Ely Percy wrote Duck Feet, based on a girl's experience of high school in Renfrew in the 2000s — Ely Percy wrote Duck Feet, based on a girl’s experience of high school in Renfrew in the 2000s STV News

Aidan Callaghan added: “Sometimes we don’t feel like we are seen so if they are bringing in new books, it might make others relate more to what they are reading and feel more comfortable and happier reading it rather than not interested.”

“I don’t like the super traditional like Shakespeare type thing. I read it and I dont understand it,” Melody Hynd said.

Natasha Boadi said: “The text I did last year was Lord of the Flies and I really liked it. It was a lot easier for me to write about it in my critical essay because I actually enjoyed the book. It felt easier to analyse it.”

The SQA say the feedback during the review from teachers, lecturers and learners was clear. Alongside classic and popular work, they also wanted a range of modern and diverse voices.

Robert Quinn, head of English, languages and business at SQA said: “The classic texts are still there but I think we have created a new, broader diverse list that excites our guys and hopefully will excite teachers and learners.

“I think its been great for the learner voice to be part of this process.”

Ely Percy reads to pupils at Lourdes Secondary School STV News

Michael Peck, principal teacher of English at Lourdes Secondary said: “I think it’s a very positive move. We have been waiting for a long time for this refresh.

“It’s definitely time for some fresh choices and it’s a good opportunity to reflect our changing demographics in our schools.

“Engagement of learners is key and also for the profession, it’s a joy to unpack some new material.

“The challenge will be, ‘will pupils feel comfortable analysing and quoting the material? Will it provide them with a good platform for success in their qualification?’ Because this is something they are very concerned about.

“I think so long as there is rich themes, rich use of language, opportunities to explore connotations and ideas so long as that is on the list then we are in a really good place.”

Dr Ronnie Young, senior lecturer in Scottish literature and associate director of the Centre for Robert Burns Studies at University of Glasgow said: “By opening up the curriculum to a wider range of writers, voices, and experiences, SQA recognises the continued relevance of Scottish literature to the literary curriculum and its potential to speak to a diverse audience of students.”