Don't Know Much About History

Too much Hitler and Henry says schools watchdog

When Sam Cooke sang 'don't know much about history' in his song 'What A Wonderful World' the American crooner could scarcely have thought his lyrics would be applied to English schoolchildren nearly half a century later.

But that's the damning verdict of the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) in its latest annual report on the state of schools in England. The QCA found that history for the 14+ age group is increasingly confined to two specific areas - Nazi Germany and Tudor England. So while pupils may emerge from school fairly well-versed in the horrors of Adolf Hitler and the excesses of Henry VIII they know little else about events in and affecting Britain over the past 2,000+ years.

The report doesn't criticise the quality of teaching which, it says, is 'a real strength' but it does say schools are failing to take on board its criticisms and recommendations. Last year the QCA slammed the teaching of black history which it said was rooted in only two areas - slavery and post-war immigration. Twelve months later the QCA says there has been 'no discernible change.'

The history report was one of nine issued on the same day by the QCA and not the only one to find fault with current learning. The Government's decision to allow youngsters to stop studying languages at 14 also comes under fire. The QCA reckons 'large numbers of average students are possibly reducing their future prospects of job mobility and choice by giving up language learning at 14.'

Or, as Sam Cooke warbled in the same song 'don't know much about the French I took.'

Plus ca change?

• Worried about your teenager's education? See our advice pages here
  
• What Our Members Are Discussing Today
  
• This Week's News