As the case for patriotism has not been decisively made, we have no business promoting it in schools

Michael Gove wants schools to promote patriotism by putting British history ‘at the heart of a revived National Curriculum’. But can this educational aim be justified? Michael Hand finds that while there are practical benefits to promoting patriotism, it is by no means the only way to motivate citizens to do their ‘civic duty. There is no need for schools to cultivate patriotism in children.