Uploaded January 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Decolonised or Patriotic Curriculum?
Filmed by Worldwrite volunteers at the Battle of Ideas Festival 2024
Should education reflect one’s identity – be it British, black or gay – or be a means to moving beyond it? Is it socialisation or indoctrination to promote a decolonised or patriotic curriculum? Can schools be kept out of divisive politics and domestic culture wars, or should curriculum matters be left to the academic experts? Who should decide what schools teach?
The speakers are:
Louise Burton - history teacher
Dia Chakrvarty - contributing editor, Daily Telegraph
Andre Ediagbonya-Davies - digital marketing officer; speaker, Academy of Ideas Education Forum
Ben Habib - founder and CEO, First Property Group plc; former deputy leader, Reform UK; former Brexit Party member, European Parliament
The chair is:
Kevin Rooney - history and politics teacher; editor, irishborderpoll.com; convenor, AoI Education Forum; co-author, The Blood Stained Poppy
These are the introductory speeches only. To avoid duplication, the full debate will feature on the Academy of Ideas YouTube channel shortly.
WORLDwrite volunteers filmed over 40 sessions at the Battle of Ideas 24. To edit, sound clean and prepare these videos for the Academy & WORLDwrite channels, takes at least 2 days each. With no paid staff the charity needs your help to keep its edit suites switched on. Please chip in if you can by visiting the charity's JustGiving page at justgiving.com/campaign/worldwriteis30 Thank You.
Decolonised or Patriotic Curriculum?
Filmed by Worldwrite volunteers at the Battle of Ideas Festival 2024
Should education reflect one’s identity – be it British, black or gay – or be a means to moving beyond it? Is it socialisation or indoctrination to promote a decolonised or patriotic curriculum? Can schools be kept out of divisive politics and domestic culture wars, or should curriculum matters be left to the academic experts? Who should decide what schools teach?
The speakers are:
Louise Burton - history teacher
Dia Chakrvarty - contributing editor, Daily Telegraph
Andre Ediagbonya-Davies - digital marketing officer; speaker, Academy of Ideas Education Forum
Ben Habib - founder and CEO, First Property Group plc; former deputy leader, Reform UK; former Brexit Party member, European Parliament
The chair is:
Kevin Rooney - history and politics teacher; editor, irishborderpoll.com; convenor, AoI Education Forum; co-author, The Blood Stained Poppy
These are the introductory speeches only. To avoid duplication, the full debate will feature on the Academy of Ideas YouTube channel shortly.
WORLDwrite volunteers filmed over 40 sessions at the Battle of Ideas 24. To edit, sound clean and prepare these videos for the Academy & WORLDwrite channels, takes at least 2 days each. With no paid staff the charity needs your help to keep its edit suites switched on. Please chip in if you can by visiting the charity's JustGiving page at justgiving.com/campaign/worldwriteis30 Thank You.
