Should pupils learn the dates of important events in British History?

There has recently been a degree of controversy in the national press and on television about the extent to which young people know, and should be expected to know the dates of key events in British History. A recent ICM survey found that only 4% of 14 year olds know the date of the Battle of Trafalgar, and only 2% the date of the first Roman invasion of Britain. Is this a disgraceful state of affairs, are history teachers to blame if it is? To what extent is knowledge of dates of important events in British history a desirable outcome of school history?

• Terry Haydn, Lecturer in Education, University of East Anglia

• Ben Walsh, Text book author and Chair of Historical Association Secondary Committee

• Elisabeth Gooch, Head of History, Hellesdon High School

• 'A' level pupils, Hellesdon High School 

• Dr John Arnold, Lecturer in the School of History, University of East Anglia

• Robert Darnton, Cultural Historian

• Margaret Thatcher, politician

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If you wish to add a contribution, e-mail t.haydn@uea.ac.uk