Limited subject choice is bad news for history teaching

Description

In 2012 I first raised issues of the poor coverage of Scottish history. For a start, the first chronological qualification course option starts in 1286. There is a real danger that pupils will believe Scottish history began with Alexander III’s death in a riding accident and the subsequent conflict with southern neighbours. Pupils must be exposed to Scottish history long before 1286. Where can students learn that Scotland originally was a nation of many different peoples?

What follows in history qualifications is a “tartan shortbread tin” whirlwind tour though Scottish history (including Robert the Bruce), just missing Brigadoon along the way.