The NHPUK will place special emphasis on one particular aspect of the National Curriculum for British youngsters: our History and Culture.
History should not just be about acquiring a knowledge of specific dates. Culture is not just about teaching a child a trendy poem. The revision to these two areas that we will implement is focused on providing a basic national identity for young Britons — an identity that covers family, society, nation.
1. HISTORY
From the ages of 5 to 16 years, a balanced and factual knowledge of British history from 55 BC (Julius Caesar’s incursion into this land) until the 2010 General Election will be taught. This would include key nations whose influence has affected our past, i.e. France, Germany, Spain, America, etc. We have the option of including in the teaching British inventions that changed the world (tube trains, military tank, jet engine, etc.). Also, the option of including the origins of our unique laws: the jury system and habeas corpus.
*It must be noted that political subjects are to be avoided for young impressionable minds. Beyond the age of 16 years, students can debate and ponder issues such as equality, feminism or slavery, but with an emphasis on covering all arguments and counter-arguments. ‘Holocaust Education’ will no longer be an obligatory item to study and will be subject to open discussion. Freedom of thought and speech for young Britons!
2. CULTURE
Again, a basic and easily comprehended programme of cultural tuition for British pupils. We can use the acronym M.A.L.T. for this.
Examples:
Music: ‘English Folk Song Suite’ by British composer Ralph Vaughan-Williams.
Art: ‘The Field of Waterloo’ (painting) by British artist JMW Turner.
Literature: ‘Far from the Madding Crowd’ by British author Thomas Hardy.
Theatre: ‘Hamlet’ (a play) by British playwright William Shakespeare.
Naturally, as part of our spiritual national culture dating back over 1500 years, Religious Education (R.E.) will be returned to the curriculum, but with an exclusive emphasis on Christianity.
Summary:
A basic but honest and accurate mental image of our Britain over a period of two millennia. Devoid of overt political bias, but with enough material to give a young British boy or girl an awareness of who their people are and what they have achieved in terms of their unique history and culture.
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