Classrooms focus on 'Britishness'

More than 500 schools in England will focus on the subject of Britishness as part of a government initiative.

The Who Do We Think We Are? week will see pupils look at identity, history, faith and community.

The week was one of the recommendations in a report by Sir Keith Ajegbo, published last year following the London bombings on 7 July 2005.

Schools in England are required to promote social cohesion as part of the national curriculum.

In some schools it will mean them linking up with more diverse schools in their areas.

British identity

There is also an Olympic angle to the week, with schools thinking about national pride and international co-operation.

Themes of anti-social behaviour and tackling extremism will be looked at.

Sir Keith's review found there was not enough emphasis on British identity and history in schools.

He said pupils should study free speech, the rule of law, mutual tolerance and respect for equal rights.

Ministers see schools as a key place to promote understanding between communities and to combat intolerance and religious extremism.

RELATED INTERNET LINKS
Department for Children, Schools and Families
Who Do We Think We Are?
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