Trainee teachers plan to give lessons to children as young as five on ‘colonialism, slavery and the lasting impact of imperialism’ – as the woke agenda spreads from universities to schools.
The new generation shows strong support for teaching which ‘challenges the long-standing dominance of Eurocentric and colonialist perspectives’.
They also believe that Christianity should not be the priority in RE, according to a survey.
Nearly 250 trainees were questioned about their understanding of and backing for decolonising the primary curriculum.
In history lessons – which generally consist of the Egyptians, The Great Fire of London and the Ancient Romans – 97 per cent of trainees supported a move ‘beyond a Western-centric focus’ which breaks down the ‘Eurocentric biases’ and covers ‘historically oppressed groups’.
Trainee teachers plan to give lessons to children as young as five on ‘colonialism, slavery and the lasting impact of imperialism’
In history lessons – which generally consist of the Egyptians, The Great Fire of London and the Ancient Romans – 97 per cent of trainees supported a move ‘beyond a Western-centric focus’ which breaks down the ‘Eurocentric biases’ and covers ‘historically oppressed groups’
In geography lessons, traditionally taken up with weather patterns, volcanoes, continents and capitals, the new view is to highlight the complexities of societies beyond Europe.
Just 34 per cent agreed with putting the highest priority in RE on Christianity, but 84 per cent prefer the diversity of religious expression and resisting norms.
The research, by the University of Wales Trinity Saint David, was published in the latest edition of the International Journal of Social Policy & Education.
In contrast, a poll by the Policy Exchange think-tank suggests most communities, whatever their racial makeup, do not support decolonising of the curriculum.
Its survey of 3,400 adults revealed that all ethnic minority groups view Britain as a positive force throughout history and ’emphatically reject the view of some white progressives that it is wrong or racist’ to be taught to be proud of British history.
Ethnic minorities polled were as proud as any other demographic of Britain’s role in the world wars, Magna Carta, the industrial revolution and the abolition of the slave trade.
A minority of trainee teachers were concerned that it could destabilise pupils’ understanding of their cultural heritage.
But critics said children were being indoctrinated by an agenda that reduces complex and nuanced humanities topics to ‘goodie and baddies’. Chris McGovern, chairman of the Campaign for Real Education, said: ‘It is no wonder that there is a teacher shortage.
‘Education “thought police” are the new witch-finder-generals, silencing those who do not conform to a woke ideology that labels
Britain as forever stained by the original sin of colonialism and general wickedness.’
Professor Dennis Hayes, of Academics for Academic Freedom, said: ‘Decolonisation is a codeword for an elite attack on contemporary British culture and values by waging a war on the past. It shows contempt for ordinary people’s loyalty to family, community and country.’