Skip to content 
Search

Latest Stories

Schools could be more thorough teaching Britain's colonial past, minister admits

Schools could be more thorough teaching Britain's colonial past, minister admits

SCHOOLS could make improvements on how Britain’s colonial past is taught to students, a minister has suggested.

Speaking during an evidence session last week, minister for school standards Nick Gibb admitted schools could do a more "rigorous" job of teaching children about black history and cultural diversity.


Held by the Petitions Committee and Women and Equalities Committee, the meeting was prompted by several petitions calling on the government to diversify the curriculum. One appeal calling on the government to teach Britain's colonial past as part of the UK's compulsory curriculum has received more than 268,000 signatures to date.

The lobby highlighted that school pupils can currently go through the education system without learning about colonisation or the transatlantic slave trade.

Although Gibbs noted slavery and colonialism is already taught as part of the national curriculum, he said there was scope to ensure the teaching was more thorough.

He told the virtual hearing: “In Key Stage Three (KS3) there are requirements to teach about ideas of political power, industry and Empire. [...] I think sometimes in the past, the quality of what is taught is sometimes not given the right attention and that is now [not] happening.”

Asked if the Department of Education should make the subjects statutory if teachers failed to teach the subjects as well as they could be, Gibbs responded: “The national curriculum is statutory”.

He added: “There is a case for looking at the KS3 curriculum and making sure it's as rigorous as it can be.”

KS3 is pupils aged between 11 and 14, normally known as Year 7, Year 8 and Year 9.

Ahead of the evidence session, the Petitions Committee published findings from an online survey analysing the perspectives and experiences of teachers, school staff and home educators. It revealed 90 per cent of respondents felt there should be a statutory requirement that for all children to be taught explicitly about the history of Britain’s ethnic and cultural minorities.

The poll also found one in four teachers felt they lacked confidence in their ability to develop their pupils’ understanding of black history and cultural diversity.

Speaking ahead of the hearing, the chair of the women and equalities committee Caroline Nokes said a “rich and diverse” curriculum is vital for equipping young people with a fuller understanding of the breadth of British history.

“Whilst the curriculum currently offers opportunities for this – it is not clear that this optional approach is sufficient, especially for educating young people about black history,” the MP said. “We have already heard thought-provoking evidence from people who have created petitions on this subject, from leading education providers, experts and academics. We are keen to hear what the government plans to do to create a more inclusive diverse curriculum.”

More For You

Priyanka Chopra

Priyanka Chopra says she wants strong roles not just ornamental characters

Getty Images

Priyanka Chopra says she is just getting started in Hollywood with 'Heads of State' on Prime Video

Quick highlights:

  • Priyanka Chopra Jonas says she’s just getting started in Hollywood.
  • Stars as a fierce MI6 agent alongside Idris Elba and John Cena.
  • Gets into serious action mode with explosions, helicopters, and hand-to-hand combat.
  • Says her journey is still evolving, with much more to explore in the West.

Priyanka Chopra Jonas may have ruled Bollywood for over two decades, but the global star believes she’s still “nascent” in her Hollywood journey, and that’s what makes it exciting.

The Quantico and Citadel actor stars in the new Amazon Prime Video film Heads of State, playing a sharp MI6 agent named Noel Bisset. Her character has a complicated history with British Prime Minister Sam Clarke (played by Idris Elba) and is tasked with protecting him and the newly elected US President Will Derringer (John Cena) when they're attacked before a major NATO conference.

Keep ReadingShow less
Arijit Singh

Arijit Singh becomes most followed musician on Spotify

Getty Images

Arijit Singh overtakes Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran to become most followed artist on Spotify

Quick highlights:

• Arijit Singh makes global music history with 151 million Spotify followers

• Surpasses Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran in follower count

Keep ReadingShow less
Manchester Police probes over 1,000 child sexual abuse suspects

Photo for representation. (iStock)

Getty Images/iStockphoto

Manchester Police probes over 1,000 child sexual abuse suspects

GREATER MANCHESTER POLICE is now investigating more than 1,000 child sexual abuse suspects, following years of public criticism and institutional failings in tackling child sexual exploitation.

A new report by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) has revealed the force has made “significant improvements” in dealing with group-based sexual abuse and related crimes.

Keep ReadingShow less
Diwali

This year’s Diwali event will still see Belgrave Road continue to host what is left of the festival. (Representational image)

Major changes announced for Leicester’s Diwali celebrations amid safety fears

LDRS

THIS year’s annual Diwali celebrations will be stripped back amid public safety fears. Leicester City Council has said there will be no fireworks or stage entertainment as part of major changes announced for the event.

Cossington Street Recreation Ground will also not be used for the festivities, the council has revealed. The green space previously was the location for the main stage and the Diwali Village with its food stalls, funfair rides, fashion and arts. The annual fire garden display was also based there, offering “a peaceful oasis amid the festive excitement”.

Keep ReadingShow less
Liam Gallagher

Liam Gallagher arrives for the special screening of Oasis documentary "Supersonic"

Getty Images

Liam Gallagher apologises for racial slur after backlash as Oasis reunion tour kicks off

Quick highlights:

  • Liam Gallagher issued an apology after using a racial slur in a now-deleted social media post.
  • The offensive post appeared just days before Oasis kicked off their reunion tour in Cardiff.
  • Fans criticised the singer on X, prompting him to clarify it was unintentional.
  • Oasis will perform over 40 shows globally, starting 5 July in Wales.

Liam Gallagher has apologised for using a racial slur in a post on X, as Oasis reunites for their first tour in 15 years. The singer shared a one-word reply on Monday that included a derogatory term aimed at East Asian people. Though he quickly deleted it, screenshots circulated online, sparking widespread criticism.

In a follow-up post on Tuesday, Gallagher wrote: “Sorry if I offended anyone with my tweet before it wasn’t intentional you know I love you all and I do not discriminate. Peace and love LG x.”

Keep ReadingShow less