Frank Field on teaching history in schools

Labour MP Frank Field has an excellent article on Conservative Home about teaching history in schools which you can read here.

I hope he doesn't take any flak for writing this or Con Home for publishing it, because more constructive discussion ignoring party lines in this country would be a thoroughly good thing.

Comments

Jane said…
What a profoundly thoughtful article. Frank Field’s view mirrors my own. A collective understanding of our history and culture is an essential part of our national identity as British. I am disturbed by what is described pertinently as “collective amnesia”, with regard to British History, to be found even amongst ‘brighter’ pupils. I was recently shocked to find young people locally who have never heard of Winston Churchill.

Britain’s youth are confronted with a huge psychological crisis. They do not know who they are or where they came from. How can they know where they are going or in which direction to steer the country? How can they begin to participate in civil society? The preservation of our ancient liberties cannot be taken for granted. An understanding of the underlying principles and the struggles achieving and maintaining those freedoms is crucial to getting young people interested in politics and public life in general. As Frank Field adds, this does not mean idealising our culture and being uncritical. It is necessary to look at setbacks and failures, as well as the triumphs. Teaching can also acknowledge cultural diversity, which is part of the rich construction of this island.

It is also interesting that Frank Field’s view echoes Conservative policy with regard to making savings by removing bureaucratic red-tape and concentrating on outcomes at the point of delivery. Reforming the teaching of history, in the front-line of classrooms throughout the country, is a means of ensuring that the frugal times ahead can be used rationally and productively to improve services.

I doubt whether Mr Field would contemplate joining the Conservative Party, but where the principles cross there is scope for constructive work ahead.

A well chosen link article.
11:57 am
Chris Whiteside said…
I agree, Jane, you make a lot of good points, as did Frank Field in his article.
8:42 pm
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