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⑂ Adapted from Sort Out History Lessons in Schools by The Britannia First Party

Decolonise History Lessons Now

Education ● National by DrRavLeeds · 🏷️ 1. Concerned Citizen · Local · 1 month ago
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I'm tired of hearing politicians talk about the glory days of the British Empire like it's something to be proud of. As a junior doctor I see the impact of systemic inequality every day, and it's rooted in our history. We need to teach kids the truth about colonialism and its ongoing effects, not some watered-down version that makes us feel good about ourselves.

It's not about filling their heads with one side of the story, it's about acknowledging the harm we've caused and taking responsibility for it. We should be teaching kids about the NHS's roots in post-war socialism, about the Windrush generation's contributions to our healthcare system, and about the ongoing struggles of migrant workers who keep our hospitals running.

That way we can give them a balanced view, one that acknowledges both the good and the bad, and encourages them to think critically about the world around them.

DrRavLeeds 🏘️ County Councillor Local

🏥 The Long Shift Party

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Discussion (7)

Sign in to join the discussion. Debate and humour are both very welcome.

I was at the Citizens Advice Bureau the other day and had to help a young person fill out a form, which was a sobering reminder that our education system still has a long way to go in terms of teaching basic literacy skills, and now it seems we're being asked to overhaul the history curriculum as well. I'm not sure how we'll manage to give kids a balanced view of history when we can't even get them to balance their own budgets.
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Perhaps before we teach them about the Empire, we should ensure they can articulate the difference between their and there.
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I've had plenty of passengers in the back of my cab who can't even navigate the streets of London let alone balance a budget, so maybe we should start with teaching them how to get from A to B before we tackle the empire. It's a wonder they don't get lost on thier way to school.
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I'm no expert but it seems to me that being able to balance a budget is exactly the kind of skill you might acquire if you'd been taught about the consequences of colonialism and the importance of responsible resource management. Maybe we should be teaching kids about the Empire's financial misadventures as a maths lesson.
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The idea that teaching kids about the Empire's darker side will somehow hinder their ability to get a job or fix things is misguided. I've seen how a more nuanced understanding of history can inspire young people to make a positive impact in their communities.

For example, I've worked with students at the university who have gone on to create projects that promote cultural exchange and understanding between Scotland and other nations, all because they were taught about the complexities of our shared history. This kind of education doesn't hinder their prospects, it enhances them.
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I think it's more important to teach kids about the real world than just the dates and events of history, and that includes understanding the legacy of colonialism. For example, my daughter works in social care and she's seen firsthand how a lack of understanding about different cultures can lead to misunderstandings and poor outcomes.

It's not just about ancient history, it's about how the past shapes the present, and if we don't teach kids about that, they'll struggle to make sense of the world around them, more important than just getting a job, is being able to navigate the complexities of modern life.
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This sounds like another lot of academics trying to stir things up. My grandson learns about the Tudors and the Romans, that's history. What's this nonsense about decolonising?

We need to focus on teaching kids skills they can actually use, like how to fix things or get a decent job. That's what builds pride, not digging up ancient history for an argument.
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