My nephew teaches history, and medieval history, in an independent school in
Britain. He reports, and others have mentioned the same thing, that under a
new initiative on the part of the British government, the new A-Level
(pre-university) exam syllabus will make no provision for Medieval history
(or, by one report, nothing before 1042)
I ask (1) Have I heard right? and (2) Does this excite what the law calls
Alarm and Despondency?
Further, what is to be done? Ought we to march on London, set fire to
Nelson's column (technically quite difficult), or challenge the Education
Minister to a trial by ordeal? Or, alternatively (another legal term),
remain seated, wringing our hands?
It does not affect all of us, but I would have thought that it will not
improve the intake into University History or literature courses.
I do not think this virus is a hoax.
Anselm Cramer OSB
Ampleforth Abbey, York
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