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The Lit in Colour campaign does not exist within a vacuum. The (incomplete) Lit in Colour timeline illustrates the changes in policy and practice that have contributed to, or hindered, our aim to ensure more texts by authors of colour are taught in schools in England. The timeline can also be used as a teaching tool to help identify non-fiction texts that can help inform teachers’ own learning around race, racism and representation, empire and migration. 

Additionally, the details of the (incomplete) Lit in Colour timeline could be taught alongside texts that already feature on respective assessment specifications, such as Shakespeare, Austen or Dickens for example, as it informs the contexts that may influence the content of the novels, poems and plays studied. 

There is no one way to use the (incomplete) Lit in Colour timeline, so review the details below to spark other ideas about how to use this resource in your school. In keeping with our (incomplete) Lit in Colour book list, we plan to update this resource to document the changes in policy that continue to impact the literature learnt and taught in schools in England.

What's included in the timeline?

A highly detailed timeline resource with key dates, books and authors including the below:
- Overview of texts and context relating to 16^th century including notable titles and key authors
-Overview of texts and context relating to 17^th century including notable titles and key authors
-Overview of texts and context relating to 18^th century including notable titles and key authors
- Overview of texts and context relating to 19^th century including notable titles and key authors
- Detailed breakdown of texts and context relating to 20^th – 21^st century including notable titles and key authors

Some ideas for how to use the pack:

- Download the timeline PDF and:
- Review all sections, consider what information is new and can help develop your knowledge.
- Create some prompt questions and share with the English department in advance of a department meeting.
- Consider focusing on one period and using it as a springboard for cross curricular work with History, PSHE, Citizenship subject teachers.
- Consider the set texts and other classic texts mentioned and how to bridge discussion with texts by writers of colour or other key historical events of the period to broaden students’ knowledge.
- Take students through a section and set homework to research more about a particular text or historical issue mentioned.