Schoolchildren studying GCSE history are to learn about 2,000 years of migration and its impact on Britain in a new syllabus unveiled on Monday.
Pupils will study the arrival of different groups of immigrants, from empire builders such as the Romans to those fleeing persecution such as the Hugenots, Jews and, most recently, Syrians. They will have to show that they understand the reasons why people migrate to the UK, the experience of being a migrant, and the impact of migrants on the UK.
The exam board OCR said the syllabus, which will be taught from 2016, was intended to “reinvigorate” interest in GCSE history. The Historical Association said last month that growing numbers of pupils were dropping the subject beyond 13.
Mike Goddard, head of history at OCR, said: “Migration is an ideal history topic for GCSE students to study, allowing them to consider fundamental historical concepts such as continuity, change and significance, rooted in the major events of England’s history. Doing this through the lens of the movement of diverse groups of people has the added benefit of contemporary relevance and will make for a rigorous, stimulating and enjoyable course.
“Students will now have the option of exploring and understanding the constant shifts in the British population. While numbers migrating into and away from Britain have fluctuated over the centuries in response to politics, economics and social conditions, migration has always been a feature of Britain’s history and makeup.”
Under government reforms to GCSE history, students have to undertake an extended study of a theme from at least medieval times to present day. Migration to Britain is one of three options offered by OCR for this part of the course – the other two are monarchy, and war and society.
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