Gov plans for children to be taught value of military at school

The government plans to teach UK school children the importance of the British military, according to The Telegraph.

The outlet reports that it follows a key recommendation from the strategic defence review set to be published next week. 

It is thought that the Ministry of Defence will work closely with the education sector to help inform students of the importance of the Armed Forces and to forge closer links between them and young people. Lessons will also be designed to help young people learn about career opportunities within defence.

A military source told The Telegraph: “This is about making sure as a society we are more connected with the Armed Forces and the importance of the role they play. In a world where things are growing more insecure, there are fewer people with connections to the military than there were in the post-war generation, meaning many people grow up without a connection to the Armed Forces today. 

“As that wartime generation leaves us, we need to keep the message and spirit of what they fought for alive. Learning the history of what happened before is important, but it’s also about seeing what people do now to keep us safe, while providing young people with an opportunity for careers within the military.”

The report also suggests that while it won’t form a part of the curriculum it could become part of PSHE lessons.

Although the initiative is still in its initial planning phase, it is understood the goal is to eventually implement it nationwide, spanning from primary to secondary school education.

Defence officials reportedly also emphasised that the Ministry of Defence aims to partner closely with schools to integrate the program in a way that suits all parties, ensuring it doesn’t place an undue burden on teachers.