Aristotle once opined: "If you would understand anything, understand its beginning and its development." The historical context in which humans live is so important to grasp for the younger generation.
Ofsted Report Suggests History Teaching in Primary Schools Lacks Narrative
The Oftsed report, which was carried out in 166 British schools, suggested that the teaching of history to children in primary schools lacks a proper narrative because "many primary teachers did not themselves have adequate subject knowledge beyond the specific elements of history that they taught". Moreover, the "disconnected topics" confused pupils who could name characters but not place them within a historical context. . In one such school, the curriculum hopped from the Romans and Ancient Greeks to the Tudors and the Victorians.
Usborne Publishing Excels in School History Textbooks
Although the Ofsted report found that some textbooks were failing students, there are some terrific publications that aid the teaching fraternity. Usborne's award-winning children's range has long been a key feature for primary schools as their books have great illustrative vivacity combined with text that engages. Usborne's See Inside series which includes Ancient Rome and Egypt was described by the Bookseller as "perfectly pitched for Key Stage 2, a mix of facts, humour and novelty flaps." As schools continue to embrace technology, Usborne also produce books with recommended internet-linked sites that can embellish a child's imagination and understanding even further of the important passages in history.
Education Secretary Michael Gove Says Not Enough British History in Curriculum
The Education Secretary Michael Gove has already launched a review of the national curriculum with a particular emphasis on its historical inadequacies, which he has criticised in a recent article. Mr Gove expressed regret that such key figures like Winston Churchill, Florence Nightingale and Horatio Nelson are not included currently and wanted more emphasis on key facts rather than teaching methods. The Ofsted report did not find evidence of a lack of British history in teaching as Mr Gove claimed but the Education Secretary has appointed historian Simon Schama to help with the review of the current curriculum.
Simon Schama Explains Why History is So Important for Children
Schama has said: "Who is it that needs history the most? Our children, of course: the generations who will either pass on the memory of our disputatious liberty or be not much bovvered about the doings of obscure ancestors, and go back to Facebook for an hour or four." Schama also recognises that parents will be concerned that their children learn technical skills that are demanded within today's workforce. However, he also suggests that the young minds may be open to the history of their house rather than the value of its possessions.
Religion may be struggling in an increasingly secular society, so it is paramount that history is not forgotten in today's schooling.
