New survey finds overwhelming number of history teachers disagree with Michael Gove
Release Date 14 May 2013
Analysis by the University of Reading has shown that over 90% of history teachers disagree with Michael Gove's changes to the history curriculum, despite the Education Secretary last week claiming he has wide support.
Following the publication of the proposals, the Historical Association carried out a survey which was sent to all secondary schools in England, asking for feedback on the proposals. Over 700 replies were received. When asked if they were looking forward to teaching the proposed curriculum, only 12 teachers agreed or strongly agreed with this statement.
Dr Richard Harris, Lecturer in History at the University of Reading's Institute of Education, conducted the analysis for the study. He said:
"Mr Gove claims that there is support for his proposed changes to the history curriculum in England. What he fails to cite is the extent of opposition to these proposals. Instead he tends to ignore or attack those who put forward articulate and reasoned arguments based on research and/or years of teaching experience. The vast majority of teachers feel the curriculum is too prescriptive, too narrow and will not provide an adequate historical education and understanding of the world in which young people live.
"It is time that Mr Gove started to listen and talk to those who offer critique, rather than attempting to ridicule them in the media. After all, we share similar concerns about providing a strong understanding of the past. Yet he fails to acknowledge that history teaching in the UK is highly regarded around the world - perhaps he should appreciate the value of what happens, rather than belittling it."
The survey was conducted with Dr Katharine Burn from the Institute of Education, University of London