Robert Burns, renowned for his poignant poetry and insights into the human condition, has been removed from the Scottish school curriculum as part of an educational reform favoring “diverse” modern writers. The Scottish Qualifications Authority repositioned Burns in an anthology rather than as an independent author, citing a waning interest in his work. Critics, including Professor Gerald Carruthers, argue that this diminishes the cultural significance and opportunities to study Burns. However, advocates for the changes, like Dr. Ronnie Young, believe expanding the curriculum to include a wider range of voices will enhance its relevance to contemporary students and their experiences.
For centuries, he has been admired around the world for his plain poetry and trenchant observations about the human condition.
However, Robert Burns was consigned to history by Scottish education chiefs who removed his poetry from the school curriculum.
Scottish bards are set to make way for more “diverse” modern writers following major changes to secondary school textbooks.
The Scottish Qualifications Authority “repositioned” Burns from his status as an independent writer and transferred his work to the Scottish Poetry Collection.
SQA made this decision following a consultation on the English set texts for national Year 5 and above English courses.
His work was reduced in favor of more “relevant” modern novels, such as novels about teenagers.
Professor Gerald Carruthers, head of Scottish literature at the University of Glasgow, slammed the move.
He said: “We cannot get enough of him and it is vitally important that we provide young people with endless opportunities to study him.”
The SQA “repositioned” Robert Burns from his status as an independent writer and transferred his work to an anthology of Scottish poetry.
Scottish bard makes way for more ‘diverse’ modern writers in major changes to secondary school textbooks
“He has an almost eccentric gift for words, similar to Shakespeare, Joyce and Blake.
“And his influence on international literature cannot be overstated.”
He told Scottish Field magazine: “He was the man who gave the world the image of Scottish landscape, song and romance.”
“Burns created a canvas of Scotland, and it was huge.”
However, Dr Ronnie Young, deputy director of the Robert Burns Research Center at the University of Glasgow, said: ‘By opening up the curriculum to a wider range of writers, voices and experiences, the SQA will continue to support the continued relevance of Scottish literature and Scottish literature. I am aware of that,” he said. curriculum and the potential to speak to diverse students. ”
This controversial reform effectively downgraded other prominent figures.
Lewis Grassick Gibbon’s classic novel Sunset Song will no longer be included in the list of texts for students studying Advanced English.
The SQA said that while it was important to acknowledge Burns’ cultural importance, interest in his work was waning.
Professor Gerald Carruthers, head of Scottish literature at the University of Glasgow, slammed the move.
Of the 35,000 students who took Advanced English last summer, only 83 chose to answer questions about Burns.
Other texts removed include a 1970s play that examines Scottish history through the lens of radical socialism, The Cheviot, The Deer and the Black Oil, by John McGrath, and The Corn by Robin Jenkins. Gatherers, etc.
The SQA highlighted that the latest list of Scottish set texts was the result of a consultation that received more than 2,500 responses. “The feedback we received was clear.”
Robert Quinn, head of English at SQA, said: “This is the first review and update of the Scottish Set Text List since 2018 and, naturally, we consider its titles and assess how teachers and learners engage with these works. “It was an opportunity” to ask if and where changes were needed.
“The feedback we received was clear: Teachers and instructors wanted to keep the most popular texts, but they also wanted a list that was diverse and relevant to their learners.
“We have heard from learners that they would like the revised list to include more contemporary and diverse texts, including challenging themes and strong emotional content.
“This approach gives teachers and lecturers the opportunity to introduce some new poets to learners in Year 5 and above, and they join the list alongside Burns and other culturally significant writers. It will be.”
New titles include Duck Feet by Ely Percy, a coming-of-age novel set in a Renfrewshire school; The Gaelic anti-war play “Secamr” and the poetry of Imtiaz Darker, who was born in Pakistan and grew up in Glasgow.
