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Medieval History in Schools
04 July 2022
Lead MP
Alexander Stafford
Debate Type
Adjournment Debate
Tags
Education
Other Contributors: 1
At a Glance
Alexander Stafford raised concerns about medieval history in schools in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
The MP argued for the importance of teaching medieval history in schools, noting its neglect and detailing key historical periods such as Anglo-Saxon settlement, Viking invasions, the black death, and crusades. He highlighted examples from his constituency's rich medieval past and emphasised the relevance of this period to understanding contemporary issues like political relations and social inequality. The speech advocated for changes to the curriculum to include a more comprehensive study of medieval history.
Michael Gove
The Member praised Alexander Stafford's insights on medieval history and its importance in education.
Government Response
The Minister congratulated the lead MP for his passion and knowledge, endorsing the need to improve teaching of medieval history. He affirmed that the current curriculum already includes significant periods such as Anglo-Saxons and the Norman conquest, with opportunities to teach pre-1066 events. The response highlighted various resources and ongoing initiatives supporting high-quality history education, including a forthcoming model history curriculum aimed at exemplifying broad and knowledge-rich teaching from key stages 1 to 3.
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About House of Commons Debates
House of Commons debates take place in the main chamber of the House of Commons. These debates cover a wide range of topics including government policy, legislation, and current affairs. MPs from all parties can participate, question ministers, and hold the government accountable for its decisions.