Last updated: 30 Sep 2005

The publication 'English 21 Playback' represents the views of over 5000 people who responded to QCA's call for a national conversation about the future of the subject English. A diverse range of people responded: from students, parents, teachers and employers to writers, academics, librarians and publishers.

The people who took part commented on a wide range of issues:

• How speaking and listening needed to be given new emphasis
• The importance of our literary heritage, but a belief that it is not static
• The need for older pupils to be able to study flexible courses that include language, literature and other media
• How technology can support learning, but must not be allowed to lead it.

These issues were interwoven with some frequently recurring themes:

• The importance of creativity
• A sense that classroom English needs to work more with those involved in the craft and art of language such as novelists, poets, journalists, writers of biographies and travel writers
• The need for pupils to learn how language is used in the world of work.

Shaping the subject of English between now and 2015 is not something QCA can do alone. In the coming months we will begin to identify ideas that can be taken forward through collaboration and joint action.

Notes to Editors

1. A copy of 'English 21 Playback' is attached.
2. English 21 ran from 23 February to 31 July. A total of 268 responses were received, representing the views of 5424 people.
3. More information about English 21 can be found on the QCA website at http://www.qca.org.uk/
4. For further information please contact QCA media relations on 020 7509 6789, or 07798 924552 outside of office hours.