Ely Percy's Duck Feet to be studied by English learners

Ely Percy's "Duck Feet" has been included in the Scottish Qualifications Authority's (SQA) National 5 English Scottish set text list, following a nationwide consultation.

The 2021 "Scotland's Book of the Year" winner will be included in the list for the 2025-26 session, with the first national assessments to be held in 2026.

Written in Scots, "Duck Feet" tells the story of 12-year-old Kirsty Campbell and her friends as they navigate life from their first year through to sixth year at the fictional Renfrew Grammar School.

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The inclusion of the book in the list follows an extensive consultation of learners, teachers, and lecturers who were asked their views on which writers and poets should be studied.

Earlier this year, SQA received more than 2500 responses as part of the first phase of the consultation.

Many respondents asked for increased diversity in the Scottish set text list with more writers of colour, female writers, LGBTQ+ writers, and authors from a wider range of backgrounds.

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Robert Quinn, head of English, languages, and business at SQA, said: "The feedback we received from our surveys was clear.

"Teachers and lecturers wanted to retain the most popular texts, but they also wanted a list that is diverse, and relevant for learners.

"They wanted us to include more writers of colour, more female writers, more LGBTQ+ writers, and writers from a variety of backgrounds."

Speaking ahead of the publication of the updated list, Ely said: "It is important for young people to have the opportunity to experience writing and stories that they can see themselves in.

"Engaging with your reader is often one of the biggest challenges facing writers but having readers hear a voice they can recognise in your characters gives you an opportunity to connect and reflect their experiences."