2012 Olympic Games in London

[Iluvbertie]

Well, I don't know about Australia and Great Britain, but here in the US, history doesn't seem to be taught until high school-if then. When I was in grade school, many many years ago, we knew the states, their capitals, the presidents, the three branches of government, not to mention the kings and queens of England and a few other countries. I guess those days are gone forever unless you home school the kids. It's very sad, because history is such an important subject. Part of the problem is probably that it is not made interesting- just memorizing dates really doesn't do it and really there are only about 15 dates that are really needed to be learned- events that changed the world= you know, 1066, 1215, 1453, 1492, 1776 and a few more. History can be made interesting- but here in this country, it is too often taught by foot ball coaches- who could care less.

As a modern day history teacher (not a football coach mind you) I can't remember the last time I insisted kids learn a date - other than our Year 9 course where I do think there are two dates they should know - 1st January 1901 and 25th April 1915. As for the other dates you mentioned - don't teach any of them because we don't teach European or American history at my school except for The Vikings.

That is the problem. In the late 70s to early 80s they focus of history changed from The Story of Man to inquiry based focus on specific units so you have 25 hours of study of The Vikings and then 25 hours of study of the impact of colonisation (emphasising the negatives of European colonisation) and that is Year 8 history. The consequence is a lot of information on one topic but no broad knowledge of anything.

We seem to spend more time training mini-historians then teaching the 'what happened side of history'.


But back to the Olympics - I remember when knowing the different cities was actually taught e.g. 1968 my teacher had us do some research - had to use books and all that stuff - on the previous Olympics and I drew the 1936 Games. I think we all had a lot of fun with that and the presentations were up around the room for the week or so leading up to the games in Mexico and continued throughout the games as well as the week afterwards.

Maybe that is when my interest in the Olympics began.

 

[EIIR]

In the UK, part of the problem we have is that kids can give up history at 14. I remember learning about the Victorians in primary school, and some other bits of history. Then at high school we learned about the history of medicine in ancient Greece, Egypt and Rome. We also studied the causes of WWII, not the actual war itself. Studying British history was seen as somehow nationalistic, or jingoistic, and any British history we did learn tended to emphasise how awful our ancestors were.

In allowing children to stop learning history at 14, we're essentially signalling that knowing about that which came before isn't important, even though it shapes and affects out present and future.

 

[Artemisia]

When I attended school, we studied history every year, without exception, until graduation. And it wasn't just Armenian history too, mind you. We studied Armenian History, Ancient History, Modern History, History of England, History of Russia, and World History. We had exams in all of those subjects too.
My school was a private one, but all those (minus history of England, which is taught in English schools only) are taught in any school here.

 

[Daria_S]

When I was student teaching in a secondary school history class, the teacher insisted that I only teach the kids what they needed to know for the state exam at the end of the year. The text book she used was geared toward low-functioning students, and not all the kids were low-functioning. I used the textbook, but also brought out my own knowledge, which made the subject more interesting and gave the kids a challenge. Let me tell you, they loved it. I told them about Yekaterina II (the Great) and Piotr the Great, as well as Ivan the Terrible (they loved the fact that Yekaterina had her husband murdered and quite shocked about the circumstances that lead to Ivan the Terrible killing his son). They wanted to know more, but were prevented from doing so by a teacher who had low expectations.

 

[Isabella]

Well, I don't know about Australia and Great Britain, but here in the US, history doesn't seem to be taught until high school-if then. When I was in grade school, many many years ago, we knew the states, their capitals, the presidents, the three branches of government, not to mention the kings and queens of England and a few other countries. I guess those days are gone forever unless you home school the kids. It's very sad, because history is such an important subject. Part of the problem is probably that it is not made interesting- just memorizing dates really doesn't do it and really there are only about 15 dates that are really needed to be learned- events that changed the world= you know, 1066, 1215, 1453, 1492, 1776 and a few more. History can be made interesting- but here in this country, it is too often taught by foot ball coaches- who could care less.

I don't know what the various public school requirements are at the moment in the US, but I was taught history throughout elementary, middle, and high school, and I didn't attend all that long ago. Mind you, I attended private schools, but my friends at public schools didn't seem to have vastly different curriculum. Just thought I'd offer my perspective.

 

[Iluvbertie]

It seems that each system is clearly different in what it regards as the importance of history and even 'what is history'.

Here in Australia we are about to have a national history curriculum introduced but even though that course is written for 80 hours of study for each of the first four years of high school (ages 11/12 - 15/16), but each state is free to set the minimum hours and NSW is sticking to its current 50 hours (or about 90 minutes per school week) and we will be doing more than every other state.

As there is no external exams at the end of those compulsory years states can do their own thing. History is then elective for the final 2 years of High School. In NSW of the 70,000+ students who do the final year exams about 10,000 do Modern History and about the same number do Ancient History (with about a third or more of them doing both).

I do think we are moving off topic though so the Mods might think this discussion better in a different thread.

 

[carlota]

I decided, as a result of reading this thread to do a straw poll of my students today on the Olympics.

Nothing scientific mind you.

I simply asked the following three questions:

1. Where are the Olympic games going to be held this year?
2. Who will open the games?
3. Where were the games in 2008?

I had a total of 85 students in my 4 classes today with the following results.

1. London 32/85; Don't know - 14/85; Beijing 2/85; Somewhere in Europe (a range of different European places - cities and countries - some who have hosted the games and some that haven't); various sites in North America 21/85 and Rio 16/85.
2. Obama - 46/85; The Pope - 3/85; The Queen 32/85; miscellaneous 4/85
3. London 41/85; Beijing 24/85; Athens 2/85; LA 5/85; miscellaneous cities that haven't hosted the games 13/85

A sad indictment of the general knowledge of our youth. Maybe some other teachers out there could try something similar - and hopefully raise our spirits.

wow, this is pretty bad. can you provide some background to the class (ages, subjects studied)?

 

[Iluvbertie]

wow, this is pretty bad. can you provide some background to the class (ages, subjects studied)?

There were 4 classes surveyed - one Year 8 of 23 mixed ability, one Year 8 of 25 top ability, one Year 10 of 12 of low abilty, one Year 11 of 25 students again mixed ability. All classes are History as that is the subject I teach - ages ranged from 13 - 17 and ethnic backgrounds range from kids of British descent (could be back over 200 years), or more recent such as Chinese, Vietnamese, Lebanese, Greek, Madedonian, Italian and Pacific Islanders.

 

[Lumutqueen]

I might have started this, by accident but I think we're going off topic now.

The athletes discussion isn't open yet, so I assume this info can go here, twitter tells me that Rafael Nadal has pulled out of the Games sighting he isn't ready.

 

[EIIR]

I'm pretty sure that was announced a few days ago actually - London 2012 Olympics: Rafael Nadal pulls out of Games | Mail Online. Federer and Djokovic are in London and ready to take part though, as is Andy Murray.

David Beckham says that he has a role in the Opening Ceremony, although he won't say any more. A full dress rehearsal of the OC was held last night. Feedback was very positive, with spectators saying that it's different to every other OC and is quite quirky in a very British way. I think it will be more humourous than previous OC's. I hope the British musical and literary traditions are a large part of it, both of which are second to none in my view.

 

[Artemisia]

Some spoilers from the rehearsals were posted on YouTube (most have now been removed).
I didn't watch them because I want to be surprised, but I'm now more positive than ever it's going to be quite spectacular.

 

[NGalitzine]

Yes Nadal pulled out last Thursday. He has an undisclosed injury likely related to problems he has been having with his left knee. He was to have been flag bearer for the Spanish team at the opening ceremony. Not sure who will take his place on the team or who will be flag bearer now.

Hopefully this will increase Federer's chance of winning the mens singles and defending his title in mens doubles.

 

[LadyFinn]

BBC Sport - London 2012: David Beckham given role in opening ceremony

David Beckham And Muhammad Ali Together On Stage Ahead Of London 2012 Olympics (PICTURES)

Finland's flag bearer is swimmer Hanna-Maria Seppälä, who attends at her fourth Olympic Games. She is the first woman as Finland's flag bearer at Summer Olympics.

 

[ANNIE_S]

Yes Nadal pulled out last Thursday. He has an undisclosed injury likely related to problems he has been having with his left knee. He was to have been flag bearer for the Spanish team at the opening ceremony. Not sure who will take his place on the team or who will be flag bearer now.

Hopefully this will increase Federer's chance of winning the mens singles and defending his title in mens doubles.

Spain´s flag bearer will be Pau Gasol (basketball player)

 

[dbarn67]

Zara and her father Mark Phillips visit. Mark is the trainer for the U.S. eventiing team.

http://i46.tinypic.com/2exc0lh.jpg

http://i49.tinypic.com/27zgdus.jpg

 

[SmithD]

BBC Sport - London 2012: David Beckham given role in opening ceremony

Any speculation on what role Beckham has been given?

 

[Osipi]

Any speculation on what role Beckham has been given?

I imagine it's pretty hush hush and we really won't know until the opening ceremonies.

I can remember what a surprise it was to the crowd when Muhammed Ali stepped out in Atlanta to light the cauldron. The article alludes to Ali and Beckham appearing together during the opening ceremony so I would imagine they're a part near to or actually at the lighting of the 2012 cauldron.

 

[Tudur rose]

I think it will be the queen. She will step out of a helicopter with Daniel Craig being james bond dresses as a shepherdess carrying a cup of tea... In a bone china cup of course .

 

[Artemisia]

I think it will be the queen. She will step out of a helicopter with Daniel Craig being james bond dresses as a shepherdess carrying a cup of tea... In a bone china cup of course .

That would be the most memorable opening ever!

I imagine it's pretty hush hush and we really won't know until the opening ceremonies.

I can remember what a surprise it was to the crowd when Muhammed Ali stepped out in Atlanta to light the cauldron. The article alludes to Ali and Beckham appearing together during the opening ceremony so I would imagine they're a part near to or actually at the lighting of the 2012 cauldron.

Not wanting to diminish Beckham's achievements, but there are, in my opinion, far more deserving British athletes to do the actual lighting ceremony.
He, along with Ali, will probably have a significant part - but lighting? Unlikely.

 

[Osipi]

ITA. I do think its very very unlikely that Ali would be lighting the cauldron in London as there are far better choices to be had among British athletes. I really don't think Beckham will have the final honor either. My bet would be on Redgrave. And now for something completely different... looking up some information I came across this blog and found it quite amusing. Hope you do too.

Who will light London's Olympic cauldron? - Sports Fans, Teams, Stadiums, Page 2 - Fandom Blog - ESPN Playbook - ESPN

 

[Artemisia]

ITA. I do think its very very unlikely that Ali would be lighting the cauldron in London as there are far better choices to be had among British athletes. I really don't think Beckham will have the final honor either. My bet would be on Redgrave. And now for something completely different... looking up some information I came across this blog and found it quite amusing. Hope you do too.

Who will light London's Olympic cauldron? - Sports Fans, Teams, Stadiums, Page 2 - Fandom Blog - ESPN Playbook - ESPN

That was really funny, especially Mr. Bean and Jason Statham ones.

 

[KittyAtlanta]

The Champ is in no condition to travel. He is suffering from advanced Parkinson's disease and is said to be in very poor condition.

 

[BeatrixFan]

At the risk of being controversial, isn't it strange that the Spanish government wouldn't allow Queen Sofia to come to London to celebrate the Jubilee because of Gibraltar, yet they've no problem with Spanish royals coming to London to support the Spanish athletic team? It struck me as odd when I saw Infanta Pilar today, suddenly the rules change...

 

[Osipi]

The Champ is in no condition to travel. He is suffering from advanced Parkinson's disease and is said to be in very poor condition.

Ali is definitely a champion of the human spirit and from this article, it shows how the disease has affected him. He is in London though and has participated in the Beyond Sport awards with Beckham.

"Muhammad Ali, sport's greatest ever personality and David Beckham, the most recognisable sportsman living came together on Tuesday night at the Beyond Sport awards ahead of the London 2012 Olympics.


Both will have a role to play at the London 2012 opening ceremony on Friday night, with Ali having lit the flame at the curtain-raiser for the 1996 Games in Atlanta."


David Beckham And Muhammad Ali Together On Stage Ahead Of London 2012 Olympics (PICTURES)

 

[EIIR]

He's already in London. He was at an event with David Beckham last night. Muhammad Ali meets David Beckham as A-listers flock to London - Mirror Online

Buckingham Palace have confirmed that the organisers filmed material for the Games at the Palace. I've seen it speculated that they were filming a scene where the Queen (the real one, not an imposter) gives James Bond (Daniel Craig) a knighthood and asks him to undertake one more mission - to open the Olympic Games. Whether this happens, I don't know. Apparently the Queen was involved personally with the filming, as was Daniel Craig, so we'll have to wait and see.

On who will light the cauldron - I saw Sir Matthew Pinsent (4-time gold medalist in rowing) on the news last night who said it definitely wasn't him. He did, however, hint that it may be a non-athlete who does it; my mind immediately went to a serviceman or woman who had perhaps been injured in Afghanistan. He also seemed to suggest that there might be some sort of special mechanism to actually light it. I guess we'll have to wait and see.

 

[Osipi]

At the risk of being controversial, isn't it strange that the Spanish government wouldn't allow Queen Sofia to come to London to celebrate the Jubilee because of Gibraltar, yet they've no problem with Spanish royals coming to London to support the Spanish athletic team? It struck me as odd when I saw Infanta Pilar today, suddenly the rules change...

Maybe its that the Jubilee was celebrating a head of state's 60 years on the throne and the Olympics celebrate the best in athletics from around the world?

 

[EIIR]

At the risk of being controversial, isn't it strange that the Spanish government wouldn't allow Queen Sofia to come to London to celebrate the Jubilee because of Gibraltar, yet they've no problem with Spanish royals coming to London to support the Spanish athletic team? It struck me as odd when I saw Infanta Pilar today, suddenly the rules change...

I asked the same question at the time, BeatrixFan. I was told by some Spanish posters that because it's the Olympics, it's different. They're not really visiting the UK or the UK's Queen, they're visiting the Olympics.

Just demonstrates how pointless the boycott of jubilee the dinner was really.

 

[MichelleQ2]

Does Gibralter compete as its own country at the Olympic games or is it part of GB?

 

[Artemisia]

Does Gibralter compete as its own country at the Olympic games or is it part of GB?

Gibraltar has a (non internationally recognised) Olympic committee, but it does not send separate representatives.
Athletes from Gibraltar can be part of Team GB because, unless I'm mistaken, people of Gibraltar have are British citizens as well.

 

[FanofMonaco]

I think Bermuda has their own team. The announcers always point out their Bermuda shorts.