networkn:

 

The new announcement that history will now be a mandatory topic in schools is one causing me internal conflict. I HATED history at school, it bored me beyond belief and even now I find most fairly boring (though the older I get....).  I was kinda amused by the fact that it was the top headline this morning and the one under it was schools in Auckland saying they were facing a teacher shortage crisis. I haven't looked at the new announcement, but I wonder where the teachers for this are coming from, or if they just expect it to be crammed in with another topic.

 

I am torn because despite the fact I myself have no real interest in history, I do feel some knowledge of NZ history is somewhat important, though in my opinion what NEEDS to be taught could be taught in a matter of hours. For knowledge beyond that, then take history as an elective topic.

 

From my distant memory of high school I recall history was a core subject for 2 terms a year, as was a language. I liked the idea of an extra language but my school only taught German, which I didn't like at all, I wanted to learn French.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oh dear, you hated history so ban it? Teacher shortage did that just start after the election?

IMHO, an overall education is important. History matters, geography matters. From a few 15yo's I have contact with they knowi sweet FA about anything, which actually shocks me. Its going the US way. Did you not have a choice at school re language> I did German for 3 years, if that was now its Mandarin that will actually be useful. I used my German skills twice for tourists, thats it