Schools are dropping controversial subjects from history lessons - such as the Holocaust and the Crusades - because teachers do not want to cause offence, Government research has discovered.
The way the slave trade is taught can lead white children as well as black pupils to feel alienated, according to a study by the Historical Association.
A lack of knowledge among teachers, particularly in primary schools, is also leading to "shallow" lessons on emotive and difficult subjects. advertisement
Some teachers dropped the Holocaust completely from lessons because of fears that Muslim pupils might express anti-semitic reactions. One school avoided teaching the Crusades because its "balanced" handling of the topic would directly contradict what was taught in local mosques.
The report, funded by the Department for Education and Skills, said: "Teachers and schools avoid emotive and controversial history for a variety of reasons, some of which are well-intentioned.
"Staff may wish to avoid causing offence or appearing insensitive to individuals or groups in their classes.
"In particular settings, teachers of history are unwilling to challenge highly contentious or charged versions of history in which pupils are steeped at home, in their community or in a place of worship."
The researchers gave the example of one history department in a secondary school in a northern city which decided not to teach the Holocaust as a topic for GCSE coursework.
The report said teachers feared confronting "anti-semitic sentiment and Holocaust denial among some Muslim pupils". Christian parents at another school complained about the way the Arab-Israeli conflict was taught.
"In another department, the Holocaust was taught despite anti-semitic sentiment among some pupils, but the same department deliberately avoided teaching the Crusades at Key Stage 3 (for 11- to 14-year-olds) because their balanced treatment of the topic would have directly challenged what was taught in some local mosques."
The study said too many teachers "play safe". It called for better training in how they should handle difficult subjects.
Emotive issues such as the slave trade can be taught too blandly, portraying Afro-Caribbeans as victims and isolating black pupils, the report said.
But when teachers down play the role of the white authorities in abolishing the slave trade, white children can become alienated.
The report came as Britain marks 200 years since the passing of laws which brought about the end of transatlantic slavery. The anniversary caused angry protests and renewed demands for a formal Government apology for Britain's role in the trade.
Earlier this year, a Government review of citizenship education recommended that all pupils should learn about issues such as slavery and the legacy of the British Empire. Children should be encouraged to develop their own sense of British identity to avoid social divisions widening between different groups, it said.
"If theism is true, all non-theisms are false, since the opposite of true is false." - Dr. Norman Geisler
I'll just say what my history professor always said, "rightly or wrongly, this is what happened". If we don't learn from the past, the same things will happen.
"Think for a moment about whether it is ethical to throw a living creature into boiling water before sucking it down with a cup of melted butter"
Part of me knows that this is cowardice. But the other part of me says that this is the wages of political correctness and the liberal/progressive insistence upon "tolerance."
This message has been edited. Last edited by: Coriolanus,
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Since the teachings involve an "offence" it seems as if the article refers to British schools. Even Sir Winston would be rolling over in his grave. Britain's finest hour, indeed. That's what I'd call offencive.
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Posts: 10307 | Location: Avenida de las Nalgas, Quericæstan | Registered: May 02, 2002
This is rediculous. What is next...an entire "re-write" of history to take out everything that might upset someone? I say...tell the entire truth..all of it...and let the students hear/read it all.
Is there any wonder that so many parents are taking their kids out of public schools and enrolling them in private schools?
Posts: 1879 | Location: San Francisco, CA, USA | Registered: August 20, 2003
Originally posted by Coriolanus: But the other part of me says that this is the wages of political correctness and the liberal/progressive insistence upon "tolerance."
That part should know that tolerance and ignorance are not meant to go hand in hand.
This said, I fell from my chair when I read that article!
The lesson from it : ignorant masses are easier to control.
________________________ "Tobacco is my favorite vegetable." --FZ
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I come from one of the most democratic states RI, and I've seen this from them for years. Any time not just republican but independents as well try to say we have to teach certain things or cut funds to people because we can't afford to take care of everyone the democrats cry racism. We are facing a 350 million dollar shortfall in our budget, our governor a republican tries to cut in certain places and he's blocked every step of the way becasue the house and senate can overried any veto. Here in little old RI we can't offend anyone so we change what we have to to keep people from being hurt. Well the truth hurts sometimes and we're not teachung it. Oh well enough of a rant just got off work and I got to take care of the peoples problems because they won't and have been told they don't have to.
"Life's tough, it's tougher if you're stupid."
Posts: 36 | Location: Cranston, RI | Registered: January 16, 2007
Those in power fear education. They fear people knowing that they have the ability and means to make a change. Think about it, if you dumb down education, take out the violent stances taken by and on behalf of oppressed peoples, soon everyone forgets that it's ok to stand up for yourself or your fellow man.
Those in power don't want people remembering the Revolutionary War, where an oppressive government was over thrown.
Alan
Of all the animals, man is the only one that is cruel. He is the only one that inflicts pain for the pleasure of doing it. --Mark Twain
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Posts: 770 | Location: Greater Boston Area | Registered: August 16, 2004
