Head denounces ‘jingoistic’ lessons in British values

A revamped curriculum that will include “British values” is being developed to prevent children succumbing to extremist ideologies, but has already been accused of “jingoism” by a head teacher.

It is likely to involve history teachers tutoring pupils in key events in the development of British democracy, such as Magna Carta. Religious education teachers could be asked to help pupils understand the current British value of tolerance towards other faiths. A letter has been sent to head teachers by Sir Theodore Agnew, the new academies minister, asking for views on the changes.

However, in an article published online today, Vicky Bingham, headmistress of the private South Hampstead High School, in north London, says: “The new curriculum sounds…

Article first appeared in The Times, November 2017

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