Children to study slave trade

From next month, Britain's involvement in slavery and the abolition of the trade will be a mandatory part of the history curriculum for secondary school pupils.

The new syllabus contains more emphasis on ethnic minority groups and their roles in British history.

The move was applauded by Anti-Slavery International who said it was important that students learnt about Britain's role.

Director Aidan McQuade said: "Only with a better understanding of the transatlantic slave trade will we be able to tackle its legacies.

"Today, 12.3 million people are still forced to work against their will, trafficked into slavery, forced into bonded labour or born as slaves.

"Learning about the transatlantic slave trade will help students better understand modern slavery and will hopefully inspire a new generation of abolitionists to take up the fight to stamp out slavery in all its forms."

Pupils aged 11 to 14 are to be taught about the work of reformers such as William Wilberforce, the MP who campaigned for the abolition of the slave trade, and fellow campaigner Olaudah Equiano, who was a former slave.

Teachers have been told to ask pupils questions such as "What does it mean to be free?" as well as looking at links to emancipation and racial segregation.

Children will also learn about notable black figures in American history and the civil rights movement in the US. Children will study the history and growth of the British Empire and its impact on people overseas as well as learning how the British took control of India and the rise and fall of the Mughal Empire.