All schools rejoice! “History is thriving in many secondary schools” (TES Teacher magazine, November 5). The position in primary schools is in contrast quite disheartening.
There are two key points: the first is the dominance of the literacy and numeracy strategies. The second is their linkage to tables, testing and targets. This has created a narrow and deeply troubled primary curriculum.
The apparently welcome attempts of the primary national strategy to add a texture of engagement, excellence and enjoyment to the primary years is a castle built on sand.
It will be washed away by the tide of tests, tables and targets. A richer primary curriculum is irretrievably debilitated.
Secondary colleagues should rejoice that their curricular environment is apparently less harsh and so much richer.
Roy Hughes Chair, Historical Association primary committee 59A Kennington Park Road London SE11
