COMPULSORY HISTORY – HOW DO PUPILS FEEL?

PUPILS at Sastri College in Durban share their views on whether history should be made compulsory at school:

Selwyn Wesley, 16, a Grade 11 pupil from Montclair, said the South African struggle was essential reading.

“There are lots of people who actually don’t know what happened, but in the same breath, there are lots of people who generally say that history is boring,” he said.

“In grade 9, I would have also agreed, but as I get older, I realise it’s actually important. If I had a choice I would have continued in Grade 10 but I am going to study towards becoming a chef, so its not in line with my course.”

Selwyn said history was important because not only does it teach one about the past, but also helps people not repeat mistakes of the past.

Sasha Pillay, 14, a Grade 9 pupil from Overport, said while she enjoyed history, making it compulsory was not a good idea.

“We learn history up until Grade 9 and the syllabus should be able to cover everything until then.”

Sasha welcomed the idea of including more South African history in the syllabus, but said it was also important to know about other countries.

Fatima Variawa, 13, a Grade 8 pupil, believes history should be made compulsory.

“It’s important to learn about what happened in the past. Especially about apartheid.

“Even though I have studied history from Grade 4 I feel like I know more about what happened in the West than here in South Africa. It’s important to include more South African history.”

Sibonginkosi Mazeka, 15, a Grade 10 pupil, believed history should be made compulsory because “everything has a history to it”.

“For example, how did the Indians come to South Africa, what are their stories?

“We have so much knowledge about the western world, we need to encourage our people to learn (more) about their own history, culture and tradition.”

Shriya Budhram, 15, a Grade 9 pupil from Newlands West, said history should not be made compulsory, but felt that more South African history should be included in the current curriculum for pupils until Grade 9.

“In grade 10, you have to pick subjects in accordance with the career you want to follow.

“In the science field, there is already enough work.”

She said it was important for a lot more of the ‘struggle’ stories to be told.

Khan,