Rationale

Traditionally, the literary ‘canon’ refers to a set of works/texts which are considered to be the most important, or the best examples from a particular social context. Debates rage in academia about the traditional literary canon and its relevance for readers today. In many ways the themes and topics covered by the canon are universal and can be said to transpose time and place, and yet the stark dearth of writers from diverse backgrounds is often cited as criticism of the idea of an English literary canon. Here and now, at a time when educators are earnestly questioning bias with their curriculum and examining where curricula must rightly be decolonised, we will be establishing the ‘Leytonstone Canon’. Our canon comprises set works from across our curriculum which we believe, the reading of, will improve the success, intelligence and cultural capital of our pupils. The texts span fiction and non-fiction and represent writers from a range of backgrounds. Our school ethos served as the litmus test of ‘The Leytonstone Canon’ before texts were ascribed by departments. In order to establish a culture of reading and curiosity, pupils will be recognised for the texts they read. ‘The Leytonstone Canon’ links to the school’s reward system. Therefore, students are rewarded for every book they complete.