Several decades ago there were successful school-led attempts to introduce enjoyment of great literature to young people, Shakespeare and poetry through regular listening and performance well away from exam rooms, for example. A series of philistine governments and ministers (Keith Joseph was a shining exception, btw, in that dismal history of “educational standards” from Thatcher to Blunkett/Woodhead) dragged lit back down to its traditional educational depths. eg Shakespeare examined at Key Stage 3.
Thatcher had a lot to answer for didn't she. I was fortunate enough to be at the tail end of my school career when she came to office, having already benefitted from some excellent English Literature teachers.
When you mention getting Shakespeare in school, do you mean college? If you mean high school, you guys have better schools. I had Shakespeare's bonnets as a teen, but it wasn't at school. My big sister got it for me because she knew I wrote poems. At school there was little to no poetry.
Who am I kidding? We all know you have better schools!
Perhumps methinks the national curriculum needs a more relaxed style. It's like religion and politics, taking itself far too seriously and repulsing in the process those whom it would like to carry things forwards. Don't we all love that lecturer/teacher, who would take the class outside just because it was sunny? Or who quips about modern art being upside down - and in the process opens our eyes "Oh, I get it" moments. Far better than catapulting your homework at a black hole which annoyingly, keeps spitting it back out. I for one wish there was a mucky guide to Chaucer, as every time I've picked him up (sic cum gravitas) he's lost me in a welter of broken Cornish angst. Thanks Mike, as ever Sunday morning read is my smile time of the week
Geoff, you were never far from my mind throughout the whole exercise, but I thought it prudent to keep you away from the harsh glare of publicity that would have doubtlessly caused you a temporary discomfort had I lumped you in with Boycott and Hurst.
Several decades ago there were successful school-led attempts to introduce enjoyment of great literature to young people, Shakespeare and poetry through regular listening and performance well away from exam rooms, for example. A series of philistine governments and ministers (Keith Joseph was a shining exception, btw, in that dismal history of “educational standards” from Thatcher to Blunkett/Woodhead) dragged lit back down to its traditional educational depths. eg Shakespeare examined at Key Stage 3.
Thatcher had a lot to answer for didn't she. I was fortunate enough to be at the tail end of my school career when she came to office, having already benefitted from some excellent English Literature teachers.
Chaucer and Benny Hill; I love that!
When you mention getting Shakespeare in school, do you mean college? If you mean high school, you guys have better schools. I had Shakespeare's bonnets as a teen, but it wasn't at school. My big sister got it for me because she knew I wrote poems. At school there was little to no poetry.
Who am I kidding? We all know you have better schools!
Sonnets. (Autocorrect or old fart typo?)
Thanks again, Mike. Cross between Larkin and James Bond!
Perhumps methinks the national curriculum needs a more relaxed style. It's like religion and politics, taking itself far too seriously and repulsing in the process those whom it would like to carry things forwards. Don't we all love that lecturer/teacher, who would take the class outside just because it was sunny? Or who quips about modern art being upside down - and in the process opens our eyes "Oh, I get it" moments. Far better than catapulting your homework at a black hole which annoyingly, keeps spitting it back out. I for one wish there was a mucky guide to Chaucer, as every time I've picked him up (sic cum gravitas) he's lost me in a welter of broken Cornish angst. Thanks Mike, as ever Sunday morning read is my smile time of the week
Most entertaining Mike, as usual....!!
Fair enough, but what about Capes? All the best heroes wear them.
A glaring ommission for the Geoffs. Hey ho, I still enjoyed the post!
Geoff, you were never far from my mind throughout the whole exercise, but I thought it prudent to keep you away from the harsh glare of publicity that would have doubtlessly caused you a temporary discomfort had I lumped you in with Boycott and Hurst.