Recent updates from OCR have revealed that they will release a course related to modern usage of language. The course will hold a specific focus on Russell Brand and Dizzee Rascal in reference to 21st century language.
The format of A-Levels has experienced a huge shake up with assessment methods being dramatically changed. The first assessment for A-Level courses commencing in September 2015 will be in June 2017. This is moving away from exam periods twice annually.
OCR have stated that the course will also feature classic work from the likes of Shakespeare and William Blake but will also include extracts from Russell Brand’s appearance before the Commons which giving evidence on drug addiction.
Rapper Dizzee Rascal also gets a mention for his fascinating interview with Jeremy Paxman. Paxman asked questions about influence of politicians and the future of politics to which he received some typically 21st century answers.
A Department for Education source warned that Ofqual may block the course: “This is exactly the kind of dumbing down we are trying to get rid of. They must be having a laugh if they think A-levels in Dizzee Rascal and Russell Brand are going to be let through,”
This response takes a somewhat pompous view and immediately dismisses any value in referencing the individuals as sources. Criticism is also going the other way with unrest growing towards Education Secretary Michael Gove within Teacher’s Unions. A recent decision to pursue a 400m rescue of his beloved free schools pushed one teacher over the edge, stating “Another ridiculous decision made by Gove to feed his own, twisted ideologies. How much more will it take before our lunatic of an Education Secretary is sent to the stocks.”
Social environments are changing more frequently than ever and it is essential that education is kept as relevant as possible. The common end goal is to prepare students to eventually become captains of industry, variety of lexical technique will surely be conducive to this goal.
Russell Brand has taken steps to become more involved in political issues of late and there is no doubt his vernacular aids him in getting his point across. If students take a look at modern language, who is to say that is necessarily a bad thing?
Nick Cooper
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