New curriculum is an ‘insult’

A historian who advised the Government on the new national curriculum has urged teachers to reject it saying the final document is “insulting and offensive”.

Professor Simon Schama said the new history syllabus was written by people who have “never sat and taught 12-year-olds in a classroom”.

The curriculum proposes to teach children history in chronological order and aims to give children a sense of the triumphs of the British people. But Professor Schama warned that the proposals were too focused on the achievements of white men.

He urged teachers at the Telegraph Hay Festival to reject the curriculum, saying: “History is not about self-congratulation. History is meant to keep the powerful awake at night and keep them honest.”

A spokesman for the Department for Education said teaching chronologically will help pupils “to understand how key events and people link to and follow one another”.

Comments

Property search

ES Rentals

    ES Dating
    and  

    By clicking 'search' you are agreeing to our
    Terms of Use.

    Don't Miss
    Keri is the new Carrie: why Homeland fans should be watching The Americans

    The Americans

    Homeland fans rejoice — ITV’s The Americans gives us a new heroine
    Barbie boys: Pitt Cue

    How to BBQ

    A good grilling is much more than burgers and bangers
    Steady on: gorgeous George has a good night out at Nobu

    Party people

    The stars out in London
    Grace Dent reviews Bird of Smithfield

    Grace Dent

    Our restaurant critic reviews Bird of Smithfield
    Liberace, his lover and their fine affair

    Film review

    Matt Damon and Michael Douglas are on top form in Behind The Candelabra
    ‘We did a Monopoly board where the properties were his houses and the money had his face on it. It was my idea and cost £20,000’

    The gift-finder

    Caroline Stanbury is the gift-finder the wealthy flock to
    Wacky beards and psychedelic spacesuits from fashion's rising stars

    Graduate fashion

    Wacky beards and psychedelic spacesuits from fashion's rising stars
    A year of playing dangerously

    Laura Robson

    Tennis star is getting her game on for Wimbledon
    Tasty bites, in no particular order

    Restaurant review

    The dishes are muscular and elegant at Fifteen, but served willy-nilly
    New skyscrapers and designer towers at Waterloo bring 2,000 new homes

    Waterloo homes

    New skyscrapers and designer towers bring 2,000 new homes