Skip to content 
Search

Latest Stories

Britain's new 'anti-woke' schools guidance attracts controversy

Britain's government stoked controversy by issuing new schools guidance that urges teachers to avoid "contested" areas in history, anti-racism and climate change.

The guidance, which singles out the activist group Black Lives Matter, comes with prime minister Boris Johnson fighting for his political survival and accused of trying to distract voters' attention by pushing an "anti-woke" agenda.

Citing the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the legacy of the British Empire, the Department for Education said "teachers must not promote partisan political views and should offer a balanced overview of opposing views when political issues are taught".


Also Read | British student returns home from Ukraine


Education secretary Nadhim Zahawi stressed that no subject should be "off-limits in the classroom".

But it should be taught "in an age-appropriate way, with sensitivity and respect, and without promoting contested theories as fact", he said in a statement.

Potential teachers are encouraged to go through the process of comprehensive checks, “ideally before Christmas Eve” British education secretary Nadhim Zahawi. (Photo by Ian Forsyth/Getty Images)

With Johnson under police investigation over a series of lockdown-breaching parties held in Downing Street, the government has been making a renewed push on "culture wars" ahead of nationwide local elections in May.

The government is driving through legislation to toughen up penalties for vandalising historical sites, after one statue of a historical slaver was toppled in Bristol and another of wartime prime minister Winston Churchill was defaced in London.

In a speech, this week at a right-wing think-tank in Washington, Conservative party chairman Oliver Dowden denounced a "painful woke psychodrama" that he said was undermining democratic freedoms in the West.

Dowden, who sits in Johnson's cabinet, said "woke" thinking was prevalent in schools, universities and companies.

"But I tell you, it is a dangerous form of decadence. Just when our attention should be focused on external foes, we seem to have entered this period of extreme introspection and self-criticism," he said.

"And it really does threaten to sap our societies of their own self-confidence."

Schools should respect political impartiality

UK schools are already required by law to respect political impartiality. But the new guidelines go further by highlighting specific issues that have sparked fierce debate, including demands for a more critical examination of Britain's imperial past.

The Department for Education said that on the environment, schools are not required to "present misinformation, such as unsubstantiated claims that anthropogenic climate change is not occurring".

"However, where teaching covers the potential solutions for tackling climate change, this may constitute a political issue."

Mary Bousted, joint leader of the National Education Union, accused the government of adding "new layers of mystification and complexity" to teachers' heavy workload.

"The warning lights that the government is flashing around climate change, racism, world poverty and the legacy of empire as topics of exploration are more likely to decrease students' engagement with learning than to stimulate it," she said.

When Zahawi previewed the new guidelines earlier this week, Bousted also tweeted: "When ministers engage in culture wars, ask yourself what is the news story that they don't want you to think about."

Geoff Barton, head of the Association of School and College Leaders, said the "vast majority of teachers" were skilled at teaching in a balanced way.

New guidance "should not be over-prescriptive, as it could have the unintended consequence of deterring open discussions", he warned.

(AFP)

More For You

Southport

Floral tributes left by members of the public are seen following the fatal knife attack on three young girls in July in Southport.

Reuters

Public inquiry begins into Southport girls' murders

A PUBLIC inquiry begins on Tuesday into the murders of three young girls at a Taylor Swift-themed dance event in Southport last year.

The inquiry will examine whether the attack could have been prevented and how future incidents might be avoided.

Keep ReadingShow less
Starmer-Getty

Starmer is facing a Labour backbench revolt over plans to reform special needs support in schools without guaranteeing existing legal rights. (Photo: Getty Images)

Getty Images)

Starmer faces Labour pushback over SEND reform plans

KEIR STARMER is facing a backlash from Labour MPs over plans to reform special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) support, after ministers stopped short of guaranteeing legal rights for parents.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said the government was committed to reforming the current system, which costs £12 billion a year. However, she did not confirm if legally enforceable rights, such as those provided by education, health and care plans (EHCPs), would remain.

Keep ReadingShow less
Heavy rain and thunderstorms hit London

Londoners faced a wet and stormy start to the week

iStock

Heavy rain and thunderstorms hit London before 30°C heatwave

Key points

  • Heavy rain and thunderstorms drench London at the start of the week
  • Temperatures set to rise with highs of 31°C expected by Thursday
  • Heatwave could be declared by Friday if warm conditions persist
  • Night-time temperatures to remain high, increasing discomfort
  • UV and pollen levels forecast to be very high across the south

Thunderstorms soak London before summer heat returns

Londoners faced a wet and stormy start to the week as heavy rain and overnight thunderstorms swept through the capital. Monday morning saw widespread downpours, leaving commuters reaching for umbrellas and Wimbledon ticket hopefuls queuing in ponchos.

The unsettled conditions followed a burst of thunderstorms on Sunday afternoon and continued into the early hours of Monday, prompting caution across the city. The Met Office has not issued a formal weather warning for thunderstorms, but conditions remain unstable.

Keep ReadingShow less
National Trust sets vision to heal
nature and engage more Asians

Lisa Nandy, Steve Reed, René Olivieri and Hilary McGrady at a National Trust event marking its 130th anniversary

National Trust sets vision to heal nature and engage more Asians

THE National Trust, which is seeking to broaden its appeal to British Asians, is marking its 130th anniversary with a renewed commitment to restoring nature and widening access under a 10-year strategy.

Its director-general, Hilary McGrady, also aims to inspire more people to get involved in caring for the country’s natural resources.

Keep ReadingShow less
 7/7 bombings

The King said the public should draw on the 'extraordinary courage and compassion' shown in response to the attacks. (Photo credit: X/@RoyalFamily)

Starmer and King Charles pay tribute on 20th anniversary of 7/7 bombings

PRIME MINISTER Keir Starmer and King Charles on Monday paid tribute to the unity shown in the aftermath of the 7 July bombings in London, as the country marked 20 years since the attacks.

On 7 July 2005, four Islamist extremists carried out suicide bombings at Aldgate Station, Edgware Road, King's Cross and Tavistock Square. The attacks killed 52 people and injured hundreds more.

Keep ReadingShow less