The new specification purports to offer a range of texts, but in reality they are dreadfully similar in their portrayal of the seamy, sordid and base side of life and their use of unacceptable language. It also purports to give a choice but in reality there is no real choice for those with Christian beliefs and convictions.
Concerns exist around different sections:
Firstly, the novels listed for The Study of Prose in Unit One. Three existing novels have been taken off and three new novels are included, namely, ‘Paddy Clarke Ha Ha Ha’; ‘About a Boy' and ‘How many miles to Babylon’. Those which remain are ‘Lord of the Flies’; 'To Kill a Mockingbird' and 'Of Mice and Men’.
None of these novels are suitable for teaching in a Christian School.
The Poetry section of Unit Two is organised into three Anthologies and one is to be chosen. All the poems with each anthology have to be studied. However, there is unsuitable vocabulary and themes here and there throughout these poems, which makes them difficult to study.
The use of many of these texts go against the plain Scriptural teaching, to think upon those things which are wholesome, moral and uplifting to the mind and soul, cf. Philippians 4:8: Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
These novels stand in open opposition to our desire to impart a Christian, moral and spiritual education to pupils in a Christian School. We believe the Scriptural warning that evil communications corrupt good manners, 1 Corinthians 15:33.
So far in response, CCEA has only consented to place ‘Animal Farm’ back on in the Study of Prose section of the new specification. They have refused repeated requests for a meeting to discuss these matters. If this is the only change they agree to then we will not be able to offer CCEA GCSE English Literature to our pupils.
None of these novels are suitable for teaching in a Christian School.
‘Paddy Clarke Ha Ha Ha’ is essentially a ‘rites of passage’ novel. There is extensive use of expletives and inappropriate words. The Lord’s name is frequently taken in vain. The main themes in the book deal with the innate cruelty of small boys towards each other and the breakdown of a parent’s marriage.
To quote one review on ‘Will’, one of the main characters in 'About a Boy’, “he had the ability to remain voluntarily redundant throughout his life – he spends his huge amounts of free time immersing himself in 1990s culture, drinking, using soft drugs and pursuing sexual relations with women”.
'Lord of the Flies’ has been objected to, at various times, for its profanity, racism, excessive violence, bad language and immorality. The novel is derogatory to Christians, women, minorities and the disabled.
'To kill a Mockingbird’ contains racial slurs, profanity, and a frank discussion of rape that have led others to challenge its appropriateness.
'Of Mice and Men' has often been objected to for its promotion of euthanasia, condoning of racial slurs, profanities, vulgarities and offensive language.
'How many miles to Babylon’ contains references to incest, nudity and has an undertone of homosexuality.
Secondly, there is an Unseen Prose section which will present the candidates opportunity to analyse nineteenth century prose. This is unlikely to be such better in themes and content.
Thirdly, the material in Unit Two: The Study of Drama and Poetry is also unsuitable. The Drama texts listed are: ‘Juno and the Paycock’, ‘An Inspector Calls’, ‘Philadelphia, Here I Come!’, ‘Blood Brothers’, ‘Journey’s End’ and ‘The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time’.
To quote one review on ‘Will’, one of the main characters in 'About a Boy’, “he had the ability to remain voluntarily redundant throughout his life – he spends his huge amounts of free time immersing himself in 1990s culture, drinking, using soft drugs and pursuing sexual relations with women”.
'Lord of the Flies’ has been objected to, at various times, for its profanity, racism, excessive violence, bad language and immorality. The novel is derogatory to Christians, women, minorities and the disabled.
'To kill a Mockingbird’ contains racial slurs, profanity, and a frank discussion of rape that have led others to challenge its appropriateness.
'Of Mice and Men' has often been objected to for its promotion of euthanasia, condoning of racial slurs, profanities, vulgarities and offensive language.
'How many miles to Babylon’ contains references to incest, nudity and has an undertone of homosexuality.
Secondly, there is an Unseen Prose section which will present the candidates opportunity to analyse nineteenth century prose. This is unlikely to be such better in themes and content.
Thirdly, the material in Unit Two: The Study of Drama and Poetry is also unsuitable. The Drama texts listed are: ‘Juno and the Paycock’, ‘An Inspector Calls’, ‘Philadelphia, Here I Come!’, ‘Blood Brothers’, ‘Journey’s End’ and ‘The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time’.
These texts contain profanities, immorality and unsuitable storylines. Free Presbyterian Christian schools in the past have rejected using the Irish plays due to their frequent blasphemy and nationalist agenda.
The Poetry section of Unit Two is organised into three Anthologies and one is to be chosen. All the poems with each anthology have to be studied. However, there is unsuitable vocabulary and themes here and there throughout these poems, which makes them difficult to study.
The use of many of these texts go against the plain Scriptural teaching, to think upon those things which are wholesome, moral and uplifting to the mind and soul, cf. Philippians 4:8: Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
These novels stand in open opposition to our desire to impart a Christian, moral and spiritual education to pupils in a Christian School. We believe the Scriptural warning that evil communications corrupt good manners, 1 Corinthians 15:33.
So far in response, CCEA has only consented to place ‘Animal Farm’ back on in the Study of Prose section of the new specification. They have refused repeated requests for a meeting to discuss these matters. If this is the only change they agree to then we will not be able to offer CCEA GCSE English Literature to our pupils.
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