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All pupils must study modern British history
Last updated at 10:24am on 25.01.07Modern British history is to be restored to the compulsory curriculum for schools as part of moves to teach all children the values of "Britishness".
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
Reader views (20)
Given that the only history we studied at the comp was to do with American Civil War, I don't think this is a bad idea. Living abroad, a lot of people interested in Britain ask me about our history, and are astounded at what little I know (which, incidentally, I studied off my own bat). I for one feel let down by the education I received in the 80s.
- Richard (Exile From The 51st State), Madrid, Spain
And which bit of British History are they going to study?
Involvement in Suez? Our involvement in Southern Africa including concentration camps? India, a spot of ethnic cleansing? American independence? Looking the other way at other countries atrocities, Churchill and the Lisutania and WWII, foreign economic policy in Africa, involvement with the House of Saud, rendition errhmm, some very choice subjects for studies of Britishness indeed, sometimes better to let sleeping dogs lie me-thinks.
- Karl, London
Is that why you're in Dubai Fred? I dont blame you.
- Karl, London
I think Britishness refers to those stiff upper lip types - such as as Scott of the Antarctic, and maybe Saddam Hussein when he was waiting for the trap-door to open.
- Robert, Hull, East Yorks.,
What exactly is "Britishness". Can someone define that for us?
- Jay, London
Being British is about people who go to public schools, are highly educated, then become politicians, and are then absolutely useless at their jobs. Brittania is now known as Asboland. The next New Labour fiasco is under way and it is called the Olympics! The new olympic event is to be called "The Dome Sequal".
- Fred, Dubai
Yet another load of rubbish from the Blair goverment!
- Peter, Herts
So Education Secretary Alan Johnson says "Britain was a nation built from and by people from other countries". Where does this leave the indigenous white population's role in shaping Britain? By the sound of it we should feel jolly lucky that so many foreigners wish to come into this country to build it for us. Carry on all you immigrants, you're doing a damn fine job.
- Squiz, Islington
And there was I, thinking I was halfway to becoming a good little European, or has that idea been exposed as counterfeit too?
I've heard also, from a respected Scotsman, that there are no plans to teach `Britishness' in their schools; though I'm not quite sure about Wales or Northern Ireland.
So there we have it, the English will be taught to be British, but the Scots, Welsh and Northern Irish will live the National dream.
Sounds very New Labour to me!
- Ted, Shetland Isles
There should be a World and British map in each and every classroom from primary school to higher eduction that should be referred to for every subject we teach our children. Involve the kids, in a fun and visual way from 5 upwards and they will soon learn the world has a great deal to offer in culture, language, education, climates, religion, etc. RESPECT of our British culture and worlds cultures can be combined from such an early age - why leave it so late in the education lifespan. Give our children the respect they deserve and supply them the information early enough in life to alter perspectives for generations to come!
- Rachel, Bury Lancashire
in one word... Bureaurocracy! This is what we gave to the world. English is the language of law and we gave it to the world. Now bureaurocracy is annoying and complicated but if we can teach out children to be masters of the language and to use it properly then we have liberated them.
- Charlie K, London
Being British means always accepting second best in everything from transport and public services to sports. It's about not questioning how or why your will was broken and always believing that there's a brighter tomorrow, because not to do so would be too much to bear. It's about wearing grey suits during the wet and short summer and greyer heavier garments for the wet long winter.
Being british is about not complaining, not demanding things improve. Being british today is being told to shut up and accept it.
I worry what we are teaching our kids.
- Depressed, Fenchurch
All wonderful things about Britain, our great government, fantastic transport system, the prosperous education system and our eternal optimistic attitude. This what the children of today should be learning, so when they are running the country they can right our wrongs!
- Emma, Chelsea
The way we travel to work each day - heads down, jump each other in the queues, push others out of the way to get on the train first and fight someone for a seat on the train. It's the same every day and for me this defines 'Britishness' our complete impatience and intolerance of our fellow man. Would I live anywhere else? No chance!
- Allyearsleaving, North London
It would be impossible to try define 'Britishness' as we really are a quirky lot. We are such a family orientated culture and that plays an important role in our lives. When I think of Britain I always think of the traditional sea side holiday and fish and chips.
- Mary, Bucks
British culture is wonderful thing. Everything about Britain is unique - the weather, our gung-ho attitude, loyalty to our country and most importantly we're home of the traditional roast dinner!
- Cheryl, Peckham
Britishness is most clearly defined by one's ability to be tolerant, polite, honest and fair to everyone you meet whilst retaining your dignity and composure. If I believed these classes would teach these virtues I'd be all for them.
- Helen, Islington
Britishness is knowing how to make a decent cup of tea!
- Al, London
I think that it is good for children to learn about GREAT Britain and the great things it has done. By teaching the next generation who will run the country about what we have achieved rather than have them becoming part of the 'celebrity' culture, it will be much more effective for the country.
- Tom, North London
I think these classes are a good idea as young people today know so little about our country. This is perhaps why they then show little pride in it too. By teaching them about the country and how it has developed we will spur them on to make it better. These classes should of been introduced a long time ago!
- Albert, E17
