A REVISED list of novels, plays, poems and short stories chosen for a new compulsory question on Scots literature in future English exams threatens to narrow pupil choice, teachers have warned.
The Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) has published the final selection of Scots texts for the National 5 English qualification, which replaces Standard Grade in 2013/14.
As expected, candidates will face questions on a range of literature from Robert Louis Stevenson's Kidnapped to poetry by Edwin Morgan and the 2006 James Robertson novel The Testament of Gideon Mack.
Other writers include Rona Munro, who wrote Bold Girls, a play about three women in war-torn Belfast, and Ann Marie di Mambro, famous for Tally's Blood, a Second World War Scottish-Italian romantic comedy.
Also included are Ann Donovan, who penned Hieroglyphics and Other Stories and Ena Lamont Stewart, who wrote Men Should Weep, set in Glasgow in the Great Depression.
Additions to the final list are the novel The Cone Gatherers, by Robin Jenkins, first published in 1955, and a selection of poetry by Norman MacCaig.
Roderic Gillespie, head of Curriculum for Excellence Development for the SQA, said the list was revised as teachers were concerned about a lack of cross-over between National 5 and the Higher exam.
He said: "We listened to these views and made appropriate changes to the list, while ensuring it reflected Scotland's rich culture and heritage and covered a range of geographical locations and time periods.
"The Cone Gatherers and the poetry of MacCaig were particularly popular among teachers.
"We always said the list was subject to change and we feel reviewing and refreshing it every three years will be appropriate."
However, the Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS) said providing a set list could encourage some staff to "teach to the test".
Larry Flanagan, EIS general secretary, added: "The changes show they have listened, but these changes very much reflect what is already widely taught in Scottish schools.
"It begs the question of why we have the set texts if the list reflects what is already in teachers' book cupboards and what is already being taught in schools.
"The fact some texts can now be studied at both levels is more practical, but it will narrow the choice even further."
In January last year, Education Secretary Michael Russell said candidates sitting future English exams would answer at least one question on a Scottish novel, play or poem following a recommendation from the Scottish Studies Working Group.
The move aims to ensure young Scots have an understanding of their culture and literary heritage. However, teachers say they already use Scots texts alongside classics but need flexibility to follow the interests of pupils.
Scottish texts for National 5 English
Drama
Bold Girls by Rona Munro
Sailmaker by Alan Spence
Tally's Blood by Ann Marie di Mambro
Prose
Short stories by Iain Crichton Smith (The Red Door, The Telegram, Mother and Son, In Church, The Painter, The Crater)
Hieroglyphics and Other Stories by Anne Donovan (All that Glisters, Zimmerobics, Virtual Pals, Away in a Manger, A Chitterin' Bite, Dear Santa)
The Testament of Gideon Mack by James Robertson
Kidnapped by Robert Louis Stevenson
The Cone-Gatherers by Robin Jenkins (both Higher and National 5)
Poetry
Carol Ann Duffy War Photographer, Havisham, Valentine, Originally, Anne Hathaway, Mrs Midas (both Higher and National 5)
Edwin Morgan In the Snack Bar, Trio, Hyena, Good Friday, Winter, Slate
Norman MacCaig Sounds of the Day, Assissi, Visiting Hour, Memorial, Aunt Julia, Basking Shark (both Higher and National 5)
Jackie Kay My Grandmother's Houses, Lucozade, Gap Year, Bed, Divorce, Keeping Orchids
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