To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what policy considerations affected the decision to include the study of pre-20th century English literature on the Key Stage 3 English curriculum. (124320)

The pre-20th century texts chosen enable pupils to understand the appeal and importance over time of texts from the English literary heritage. These are authors with an enduring appeal that transcends the period in which they were written and have played a significant role in the development of literature in English. They continue to be read, studied and interpreted in print and on screen for contemporary audiences.