Pupils to learn about Bristol's role in slave trade
Secondary school pupils around the country are to learn about Bristol's involvement in the slave trade as part of a national curriculum revamp.
From next month, key stage three pupils aged 11 to 14 will be taught about the trade's link to the history of the British Empire.
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The new history curriculum contains more emphasis on ethnic minority groups and their roles in British history.
As part of the study of the slave trade will be Bristol's role in the industry, alongside the work of reformers such as William Wilberforce, the MP whose campaign led to the trade's abolition in 1807.
Paul Stevenson, the Bristol black activist who has campaigned for greater awareness of the slave trade, has been involved with the Government in changing the curriculum.
He says he believes it will be crucial for teachers to treat the subject sensitively.
He said: "People teaching it will need to have an understanding of both the emotional and the historical way that it is going to be taught.
"One of the most important aspects of teaching slavery – to both white and black youngsters – is that we show enough aspects of the fightback by slaves on the boats and the plantations.
"It's very important that people realise that the end of slavery was not about the concept of liberal do-goodism, but was in fact about the physical rejection of the trade by the enslaved Africans."
Teachers have been told to ask pupils questions such as "What does it mean to be free?", as well as looking at links to emancipation and racial segregation.
Mr Stevenson said he was pleased to see the subject was being discussed.
"I have always said that this is something which needs to be acknowledged," he said.
"The worst thing that can be done is to brush history under the carpet and pretend it didn't happen."
Children will also learn about notable black figures in American history and the civil rights movement in the US.
But the new syllabus stretches further than learning about slavery.
Pupils, aged 11 to 14, will study the history and growth of the British Empire and its impact on people overseas as well as learning how the British took control of India and the rise and fall of the Mughal Empire.
This will reinforce the idea that civilisation was not confined to Britain and Europe in the 16th and 17th centuries. Colonial rule in Africa and the empires of Islam in Africa, are also topics suggested by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority. The study of the two world wars, and the Holocaust are already compulsory parts of the history curriculum.
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by kevin, Longwell Green
Thursday, August 28 2008, 8:58PM
“Lets leave the past where it belongs...”
by MendipMan, Wurzel Country
Thursday, August 28 2008, 6:47PM
“Paul of Shire is quite right. When slavery is debated or 'taught' the role of the black tribal chiefs is invariably conveniently forgotten. Without their willing assistance it would have been extremely difficult to have run the Slave Trade on the scale that it became. No-one can condone the Slave Trade but if it is going to be taught in history lessons let us at least have a complete history and not just a sanitised, politically correct version.”
by JJ, Easton
Thursday, August 28 2008, 12:42PM
“Just to clarify - I am not saying that I would have Bristolians unaware of their city's role in the Colonial Slave Trade.
What I am saying is that this is not a complete picture. It could be argued that it will leave many people angry at each other who no longer should be. Slavery is alive today and stronger than ever. I think it is irresponsible NOT to inform our children about that. Why? So that the fight against slavery can continue. It's not over, and Britain's role in the slave trade today can be hinted at simply by looking at all the Nike logos all over the majority of Britons today. One major difference between the modern slave trade and the colonial slave trade is this: Bristolians are not getting rich off of the modern slave trade, but they are helping today's slave traders prosper by buying their products.
Obviously Nike is not the only entity involved with slavery in Britain and the world today, we all know there are sex slaves as well as other types. It's just a pet hate of mine that so many people who seem concerned about HISTORICAL slavery and its effects are actually brandishing known symbols of contemporary slave labour all over their bodies. Like a vegan in a leather jacket, they have little credibility.”
by Paul, Shirehampton
Thursday, August 28 2008, 12:02PM
“I'm sure this history lesson will overlook the part played by the black African tribes that supplied the captured slaves. After all we wouldn't want to get in the way of political correctness.”
by InterestedOne, Bristol
Thursday, August 28 2008, 11:54AM
“It is well documented and evidenced globally why there is cultural divide and mistrust in Britain and other countries and i really dont think the Slave trade and learning about it, really would make a difference.”
by InterestedOne, Bristol
Thursday, August 28 2008, 11:48AM
“It wasnt 5 mins ago that their was uproar because people wanted our new Shopping Centre's name to be changed, as well as a couple of schools, landmarks, roads because of Bristol's Past, shaming or not, it got Bristol to where it is today-
No history lessons are essential, merely commenting that it seems weekly that there is another job / role / event / winge about Bristols role in the Slave trade.
Do you think If i went to Germany, and kicked up a constant uproar about the past it would be taken well? Nope.”
by Lily, Montpelier
Thursday, August 28 2008, 11:45AM
“I really hope I don't know any of you guys who wish to dismiss Britain's role in certain events. Sad though it is, working for very low wages cannot equate to working for NOTHING, and having no family, own language, culture, religion or home to escape into during the 'free' periods, such barbaric acts permitted by Monarchies and governments. The Black Slave Trade and control of India so enriched the merchants/families, and brought these countries industrial greatness, and still can be seen in the ginormous and elaborate civic buildings and grand houses.”
by Birbeck, Montpelier
Thursday, August 28 2008, 11:29AM
“Those who don't want the teaching of Britain's role in the Black Slave Trade, do you also not want both World Wars on the curriculum or the Britain's control of India? Maybe, young people would be more tolerant and understanding of other racial groups if they are aware of why this country is so multi-racial, and the legacies such activities have left.”
by JJ, Easton
Thursday, August 28 2008, 11:17AM
“Will they teach that slavery still exists today? That there are more slaves alive today than at any point in history? Will they teach the products for sale on the shelves of Britain that are made by slave labour?
The whole world knows the story of the colonial slave trade. But it's not the whole story and it didn't end there. Slavery is alive today, and programmes like this are pointless - that is to say that THEY TEACH NO LESSONS - unless a student comes out with an awareness of the state of slavery today and a motivation to shun it - which for so many kids would mean getting rid of all those Nike logos that cover everything.
Think of a Nike swoosh as a whip in mid-swing.”
by lorraine, south glous
Thursday, August 28 2008, 11:07AM
“children already get told in history lessons about the slave trade and the 2 big wars why start mucking the curriculm up now”