All pupils must study modern British history

Citizenship lessons, which all 14 to 16-year-olds have to attend, will cover the origins of modern Britain - including slavery, post-war immigration and the recent Colonial past - under a shake-up ordered by Education Secretary Alan Johnson.

A review of citizenship conducted by Sir Keith Ajegbo, former headteacher of Deptford Green School, has concluded that unless children of all ethnic origins, including indigenous whites, are taught how Britain was formed, the segregation seen in many urban areas will get worse.

The report, published by Mr Johnson today, risked controversy over its claim that white pupils have as much right to learn about their origins as do children from minorities.

History as a GCSE subject has been made optional, despite criticism from traditionalists, but citizenship lessons have been compulsory since 2002.

Education Secretary Alan Johnson said Britain was a nation built from and by people from other countries.

"Schools can and should play a leading role in creating greater community cohesion and combating ignorance of other countries, religions and cultures," he said. "By 2010 one in five pupils in our schools will be from an ethnic minority - this is a challenge but also an opportunity to instil a culture of understanding and tolerance at an early age." The report said that in one class, a white pupil who heard that other members of her class originally came from the Congo, Portugal, Trinidad and Poland, said afterwards that she "came from nowhere".

Sir Keith said of white children: "They can feel beleaguered and marginalised, finding their own identities under threat, as much as minority ethnic children might not have theirs recognised."

He added: "It makes no sense in our report to focus on minority ethnic pupils without trying to address and understand the issues for white pupils. It is these white pupils whose attitudes are overwhelmingly important in creating community cohesion. Nor is there any advantage in creating confidence in minority ethnic pupils if it leaves white pupils feeling disenfranchised and resentful."

During the height of the Big Brother race row, Mr Johnson emphasised that the review would show why it was important to teach all children the values of " Britishness", including respect for and understanding of ethnic diversity.

The report said: "Even though the white population who live in predominantly white areas might be removed from the immediate personal experience of ethnic diversity, it is still likely to be an issue for them because they encounter diversity through media representations."

Sir Keith's paper was based on interviews with pupils, community organisations and faith groups across the country about what they thought of citizenship lessons. It was commissioned last year in response to the 7/7 bombings and fears that extremism was rife in universities.

What children should learn

The diversity and origins of national, regional, religious and ethnic identities in Britain
Legal and human rights and responsibilities, the criminal justice system
Central and local government, forms of government, the electoral system and voting
The role of the media
The global community and conflict resolution
The rights and responsibilities of consumers, employers and employees
Britain's relations with the EU, Commonwealth and UN, global interdependence and sustainable development