8/2/2019 June 30th Conference Programme

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History, the Nation and the SchoolsA national conference to discuss the teaching of History in British schools

Jointly sponsored by the Royal Historical Society,

the Raphael Samuel History Centre, and the Historical Association

Saturday June 30th 201210am to 5pm

Bishopsgate Institute

London EC2M 4QH

Is there a crisis in the teaching of History in British schools? Some people, inside and

outside government, believe that there is, and propose to revise the curriculum to deal

with it. Others argue that the teaching of History remains strong but that its

availability is narrowing, especially in schools with high numbers of students from

low income families. New initiatives such as the English Baccalaureate have been

introduced to help ensure that all students have an opportunity to study history at KeyStage 4, but will this work? What kind of History should be taught in British schools,

and to whom?On June 30th 2012 these issues will be discussed at a national conference co-

sponsored by the Royal Historical Society, the Raphael Samuel History Centre

(University of East London/Birkbeck College/Bishopsgate Institute) and the

Historical Association.

The aim of the conference is to bring policy-makers into dialogue with History

educators from all sectors (primary and secondary schools, universities, the media,

Heritage institutions). Speakers include: Michael Maddison (OFSTED), PeterMandler (President, Royal Historical Society), Mary Beard (Cambridge), Richard

Woff (British Museum), Chris Skidmore (Conservative MP), Sean Lang (Better

History Group), Martin Spafford (George Mitchell School, Leyton), Nicola Sheldon

(Institute of Historical Research), Onni Gust (Young History Workshop), John Siblon

(Black and Asian Studies Association), Flora Wilson (Acland Burghley School),

Michael Riley (Schools History Project), Simon Harrison (Historical Association).

The conference will open with a roundtable discussion of visions of history education,

followed by general audience discussion. The afternoon will begin with break-out

workshops followed by a feedback session, with a final 90 minute roundtable on

government policy proposals and the future of history education.

School students are invited: a journalists pit will be set up for them, and there will

teacher-led student workshops.

The day is free of charge and open to the public. Pre-registration will be required. A

sandwich lunch will be provided.

For further information about the conference, and to register for it, please email

e.bennett@uel.ac.uk

mailto:e.bennett@uel.ac.ukmailto:e.bennett@uel.ac.uk