Last updated: 23 Feb 2005

QCA has launched English 21, a new initiative to stimulate discussion about the future direction of English in the 21st century.

The project is an opportunity to express views and discuss a wide range of English related issues, to generate ideas and prompt further discussion about how English should develop as a subject over the next decade.

Areas for discussion include:

• The place of creativity and imagination and how to provide an inspiring curriculum
• How much emphasis there should be on the 'nuts and bolts' of language
• The impact of the digital age on reading and writing
• The significance of English as a global language
• What all children should study and what might be optional, especially for students aged 14-19
• What kinds of assessment will be best for students in 2015.

The project is being supported by a wide range of people from the worlds of education, business and literature.

Speaking at the launch of English 21 at the Royal Society of Arts, Ken Boston, chief executive of QCA, said:

"English 21 is designed to engage a wide range of people in a national conversation about the future of English in the 21st century and teaching in schools. This is a genuine look forward seeking to explore the future directions for English in years to come. We know that in any discussion about English teaching we will hear strong views that are firmly held. We want those voices to be heard.

Children starting school this year will be nearing the end of their schooling by 2015. English 21 will look at how English might need to change to embrace new thinking, priorities and technologies. It is an opportunity to talk to new partners and build on existing forums to inform the development of the English curriculum. But most of all it is an opportunity for us all to ask what English should be in 2015."

Andrew Motion, the Poet Laureate, also welcomed the initiative:

"English 21 starts a conversation to find the answers - a vital conversation, which aims to conclude with a set of practical decisions. As it begins, it would be counter-productive to suggest where it might end: the whole point is that is should range freely, think the seldom-thought, be bold. But we can be clear that if it doesn't mix idealism with nuts-and-bolts, then it will have missed a golden opportunity, and denied English the chance to fulfil its proper responsibilities. Which are to strike a complex balance between functional values (how to communicate), literary values (how to enjoy and understand writing), human values (how to create), and philosophical values (how to get wisdom)."

Contributions to the discussion can be submitted via the QCA website at http://www.qca.org.uk/qca_6073.aspx until the end of July. The site also includes details of events and debates being held across the country.