History in Schools

The SNP issued a five-point plan which it said would defend and enhance the teaching of history in time for St Andrew's Day next year.A row over history in Scottish schools erupted earlier this month after it emerged that it may be scrapped as a stand-alone subject in the first two years of secondary school.Peter Peacock, the education minister, has insisted that history lessons will be retained, but has not ruled out the possibility that they may be taught as part of other subjects in first and second year.Yesterday, Fiona Hyslop, the SNP education spokeswoman, said:"Scottish history must be recognised as a vital part of the curriculum."History helps Scotland's pupils understand their country, creating a greater sense of cultural awareness," she said.

Scotsman.com News - Scotland - SNP plan to safeguard future of history

It's high time that pupils in Scotland were taught about their own history. At school I hated the subject but that view was coloured by the way we were taught.

In 1978, at the height of the devolution/independence debate, we were taught about

1. the great plague of London
2. the great fire of London

Neither of which was likely to enthuse anyone in that class.

Now of course I can't get enough history books. A genuine thirst for knowledge has emerged. But no thanks to the history we got at school.