New Government guidance on political impartiality in schools urges teachers to approach “contentious and disputed” periods of history such as the British Empire in a “balanced” manner.
The guidance, issued by the Department for Education (DfE), also tells schools to avoid promoting campaign groups such as Black Lives Matter who have “partisan political views”.
Though schools are already required to teach in an impartial way, this is the first Government guidance of its kind on how teachers should approach sensitive issues.
The guidance also suggests that the teaching of historical figures should focus on “factual information” about them.
It says that “teachers should be clear that racism has no place in our society” when covering this topic with pupils, and should “help pupils to understand facts about this and the law”.
The guidance says that for recent historical events, “including those which are particularly contentious and disputed, political issues may be presented to pupils”.
It adds: “This includes many topics relating to empire and imperialism, on which there are differing partisan political views, and which should be taught in a balanced manner.”
It says that schools should be free to teach pupils about significant political figures, including “those who have controversial and contested legacies”.
In the guidance, Mr Zahawi said: “Over the last few years, there has been much discussion about political impartiality in schools, often in the context of specific political issues and movements.”
“I know that this has at times been difficult for school leaders, teachers, and staff, as they navigate how to handle and teach about these complex issues sensitively and appropriately,” he added.
The guidance states that when teachers are discussing the decriminalisation of homosexuality with pupils, they should not present discriminatory beliefs held at the time in an uncritical way, or as though they are acceptable today.
When inviting politicians or campaigners to speak in schools, teachers should aim to invite a range of speakers with varying views, or teach directly about other candidates or political parties to promote balance.
Geoff Barton, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, said: “Young people are exposed to a swirl of misinformation online, and an increasingly toxic discourse on social media as well as in political debate among those who should know better.”
“Schools have a vital role in providing a safe space in which young people can examine and understand controversial issues.”
Mr Zahawi said: “I don’t want there to be any barriers – real or perceived – to teachers’ vital work in this space, which is why I am reinforcing that no subject is off-limits in the classroom, as long as it is treated in an age-appropriate way, with sensitivity and respect, and without promoting contested theories as fact.”
The guidance will apply to all schools, including academies and independent schools, but not early years settings, 16-19 academies, further education colleges or universities.
