ChatterBank0 min ago
Scottish tidies in Schools
The Scottish Government wants to introduce a course of Scottish Studies
in schools.
This would include Scottish history, literature, culture and so forth.
Labour opposition politicians claim that this amounts to "brainwashing" to a
SNP agenda.
When ever was education about one's country's history brainwashing.
What are these Labour losers worried about?
Perhaps the "parcel of rogues" who sold Scotland out those many years ago
have reincarnated.
in schools.
This would include Scottish history, literature, culture and so forth.
Labour opposition politicians claim that this amounts to "brainwashing" to a
SNP agenda.
When ever was education about one's country's history brainwashing.
What are these Labour losers worried about?
Perhaps the "parcel of rogues" who sold Scotland out those many years ago
have reincarnated.
Answers
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On a more general point, as a former teacher I note how often politicians (and many others) are frequently keen to say what should be ADDED to the school curriculum but they rarely suggest what the new material should REPLACE. There are only a fixed number of hours in the school week (and only a limited number of staff in each school with the expertise to teach a new area of the curriculum).
I have no objection, per se, to 'Scottish Studies' being taught in Scottish schools. However, if it is to be introduced as a specific timetabled subject, who is to teach it? Should it be the English department (so that the influences of Burns can be more thoroughly studied), or the Art department (so that the Spook School or the Glasgow Boys can come to the fore), or the History Department (so that the Battle of Bannockburn is given greater importance)? However it's done, it would end up with 'non-specialists' teaching the subject.
It would seem more logical to (if necessary) to adjust the current curriculum taught by English, Art and History teachers, in order to give greater emphasis to Scots history and culture. That would help Scottish pupils to learn about their country's heritage, without needing to find a new slot in the timetable (at the expense of another subject) and while still ensuring that they're taught by specialists in the relevant fields.
Chris
I have no objection, per se, to 'Scottish Studies' being taught in Scottish schools. However, if it is to be introduced as a specific timetabled subject, who is to teach it? Should it be the English department (so that the influences of Burns can be more thoroughly studied), or the Art department (so that the Spook School or the Glasgow Boys can come to the fore), or the History Department (so that the Battle of Bannockburn is given greater importance)? However it's done, it would end up with 'non-specialists' teaching the subject.
It would seem more logical to (if necessary) to adjust the current curriculum taught by English, Art and History teachers, in order to give greater emphasis to Scots history and culture. That would help Scottish pupils to learn about their country's heritage, without needing to find a new slot in the timetable (at the expense of another subject) and while still ensuring that they're taught by specialists in the relevant fields.
Chris
Thanks for your reply, Rich47.
However it seems to assume that everyone teaching in Scotland should be Scottish. (The words 'insular' or even 'xenophobic' come to mind!).
Most head teachers would, ideally, want their French teacher to have been born in Bordeaux rather than in Bearsden. They'd prefer to have Mathematics taught by a graduate of one of the world's top universities for the subject (such as New Delhi) rather than by a 'local'. Scottish schools should celebrate the heritage of their country but, equally, they shouldn't try to pretend that they can divorce themselves from the rest of the world.
However it seems to assume that everyone teaching in Scotland should be Scottish. (The words 'insular' or even 'xenophobic' come to mind!).
Most head teachers would, ideally, want their French teacher to have been born in Bordeaux rather than in Bearsden. They'd prefer to have Mathematics taught by a graduate of one of the world's top universities for the subject (such as New Delhi) rather than by a 'local'. Scottish schools should celebrate the heritage of their country but, equally, they shouldn't try to pretend that they can divorce themselves from the rest of the world.
I agree rich, ones history should be part of growing up giving the pupils a sense of being. How can you brainwash your own people by teaching them about their own country's cultural heritage? Labour claptrap again. All to often subjects are being sidelined. Here in England religion is watered down because of the influx of immigrants. I'm not sure but I think our English schools don't have a Religious Instruction class an more.
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