
England's primary school students rank fourth globally in reading proficiency. And yet, reading for pleasure is at its lowest level since 2005. Meanwhile, fewer young people are choosing to study English literature at A Level, and around 50% of UK adults do not read regularly. In this episode, Daisy Christodoulou, Director of Education at No More Marking, sheds light on the reasons behind this shift. She explains:- Why so many children have stopped reading for pleasure- Which subjects students are choosing instead of English literature- How this declining trend is playing out across the globe- What teachers, parents and governments might do to reignite interest in reading
In this episode:
0:40 The state of reading
4:52 English Lit versus Maths
7:55 Reading as a global issue
10:11 Benefits of reading more
16:03 A balanced approach?
19:04 Building a reading habit
23:23 A book Kai will never forget
24:54 No more Smartphones
28:48 Vibrant school libraries
36:30 Daisy's favourite poem
37:50 World Book Day ideas
39:40 Daisy's leadership tips
About Our Guest
Daisy Christodoulou is a leading voice in education and is known for her work in assessment, curriculum reform, and evidence-based teaching. She is the author of Seven Myths About Education, Making Good Progress, Teachers Versus Tech, and I Can’t Stop Thinking About VAR.
Resources & Links
Join the Conversation
What do you think about the future of reading and English literature in education? Share your thoughts with Kai on LinkedIn or YouTube.
KaiPod NewsEnjoyed this episode? Keep the conversation going with KaiPod News — a fortnightly newsletter from Kai Vacher sharing fresh insights, stories, and strategies from education leaders around the world. Subscribe here.
Credits
Hosted by Kai Vacher
Produced by Stuart Pardoe, Zoe Snell, and Marion James
A BSM BSS production