Let's use an example- it's called Scotland. Now historically, Scotland has always been allowed to maintain a degree of independence in the areas of education but you look at the curriculums at schools, colleges and universities in Scotland and 'British' themes are rarely studied. The Acts of Union with England and the formation of Great Britain are not discussed in history lessons. Instead they get nationalist, SNP drivel about William Wallace, Robert the Bruce and that nasty English king, Edward I. University courses discuss the 'Scottish Enlightenment'. Important as that is- why is not studied in a wider British context? After all, it happened under the Union! English lessons in Scotland and Wales look strictly at Scottish and Welsh writers. Is there any wonder why the United Kingdom is falling apart around us? And the nationalists are on the rise? There are so many examples I could use. Giving away central government control of the education curriculum is destroying the very concept of Britishness and is giving way to false notions of Scottishness, Welshness and of course Englishness.
Secondly, let's look at the rise of Islamic extremism in schools. Again, this is because schools have been given far too much autonomy to run their own affairs. These schools are regulated by that travesty called OFSTED. Schools have been infiltrated by fundamentalists whom teach pupils that Islamic law has primacy over British laws. Again, further eroding our values and even more damaging, preventing integration. Christianity, Hinduism and Judaism are chastised and taught appalling if at all. One school I heard on the news today was claiming their pupils would go to hell if they studied music and dance!! This is absolutely unacceptable but yet becoming more common. What's the government doing about it?
My final point here is the lesson that we all know as 'Citizenship'. That's funny because all I could remember studying was how to get a girl pregnant, flavoured condoms and how I was told it was okay to have sex under age. Sex education in schools has caused enormous damage to society- exemplified by the 'chav' phenomenon in the late 1990s. I remember pupils looking forward to their 'Citizenship' lessons every week. In my opinion, sex and sexuality are things to be explored by oneself. Sex is a journey in discovering yourself as well as others. It should be done in a private/personal capacity. It is most definitely something schools should not be 'teaching'. Again, this comes down to the lack of a curriculum and the autonomy of schools. I'm sure many reading this section will think I'm a prude killjoy but it's a serious issue that I cannot fully explain in a blog post. Although if people want, I can write a much more detailed post on this area.
However in Citizenship we should be teaching children how to exercise their democratic rights. Institutions of the country like the monarchy, Parliament and the Church of England. We should be encouraging public service and charity. British values such as liberty and tolerance. Is there any wonder why political apathy is so high in Britain? And also why women are still under represented in politics? Sixth form college was the first time I got to study politics and it was completely dominated by men. If everyone studies these things earlier then interest would be more likely to develop across the genders. Kids today are rude, arrogant and far less intelligent than our global partners.
"Education, education, education" was the Blair quote and he was absolutely right. Education is the fundamental core of our society and it is failing it in every single way. Don't be surprised if the United Kingdom breaks up in our lifetime. Don't be surprised when more terrorist attacks happen on our streets. Don't be surprised as teenage pregnancies continue to rise. 'Broken Britain'? I couldn't agree more.
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