Fostering joy in the academically rigorous English classroom

Dena Eden, English Standards Leader, Inspiration Trust, UK Joy and academic rigour are often dichotomised. However, through careful consideration and application of cognitive science, we can appreciate not only how they can co-exist, but also how academic rigour is crucial if we are to see our students taking joy from English. An academically rigorous classroom is one where students feel both success and challenge – one with high levels of learning and high expectations. One might question where joy can fit into a classroom where students are expected to perform to such high standards – but if we can communicate the fact that the knowledge we learn in English represents who we are and guides how we act, rather than simply being knowledge that gets us a grade in Year 11, we can create an environment where student motivation is rooted in the learning itself.  Previously, in an effort to increase engagement and enjoyment in English, some lessons may have sacrificed academic