What ARE they teaching British kids these days? Over three-quarters of 16 to 24-year-olds don’t know the county where Shakespeare was born and can’t locate the Angel of the North sculpture
- Survey concludes that the UK’s Generation Z needs to reconnect with its nation
- It found that they didn’t know the answers to basic geography questions about it
- The young respondents were put to shame by the over-55s polled
- Scroll down to see all the questions posed – along with the answers
What are they teaching British youngsters in schools?
Apparently, not UK geography. That is, if the results of a recent survey are anything to go by.
It concludes that young Britons – aka Generation Z – need to reconnect with their nation after finding that they didn’t know the answers to basic geography questions about it, with only 21 per cent able to locate the Angel of the North and only 24 per cent knowing which shire county Shakespeare was born in.
In a survey only 24 per cent of 16 to 24-year-old respondents knew which shire county Shakespeare was born in. Pictured is The Bard’s birth house
The survey, by motorway service area operator Roadchef, also asked the 16-to-24-year-old respondents where Giants Causeway is – from a choice of Bushmills, Mountmills, Watermills and Treemills in Northern Ireland – and only 20 per cent answered correctly.
When asked which area is associated with Beatrix Potter – from a choice of the Lake District, Peak District, Yorkshire Dales and Scottish Highlands – only 25 per cent answered correctly.
The young respondents fared better when asked to name which county Dartmouth is in, from a choice of Devon, Cornwall, Hampshire and Sussex.
Twenty-seven per cent answered correctly.
Young survey respondents fared better when asked to name which county Dartmouth (pictured) is in, from a choice of Devon, Cornwall, Hampshire and Sussex
However, the young respondents in the June survey of 2,009 people, by Censuswide, were put to shame by the over-55s polled.
Asked to locate Giants Causeway – and 37 per cent of them answered correctly.
Forty-eight per cent, meanwhile, located the Angel of the North, 78 per cent knew which county Shakespeare was born in, 60 per cent knew which area Beatrix Potter is associated with and 71 per cent knew which county Dartmouth is in.
Asked to locate Giants Causeway – and 37 per cent of the over-55s polled answered correctly
Writer Beatrix Potter lived in, and was inspired by, the Lake District – but not many youngsters apparently know that. Pictured is her Cumbria home – Hill Top
The survey also asked the participants about their thoughts on staycations.
Forty-six per cent agreed a staycation would be good for their mental health, with 52 per cent of Generation Z believing that not taking a break would negatively affect their wellbeing, compared to 34 per cent of over 55s.
Mark Fox, CEO of Roadchef, said: ‘We want to encourage everyone to reconnect with the fantastic destinations we have on our doorstep in the UK this summer. It’s been a difficult few months for everyone in the country, so we want to put a smile back on the faces of travellers by providing a welcoming environment for road users to safely rest and recharge as part of their staycations and day trips.
Angel of the North: Do you know where this sculpture is? Almost half of over-55s do
‘We’ve introduced numerous measures to ensure all of our customers are safe, including one-way systems, hand sanitiser and mobile ordering and we’re ready to help everyone explore what the country has to offer.’
To inspire Britons of all ages to explore their own country, Roadchef has commissioned a new guide featuring attractions and locations from across the UK, with ideas suitable for families, couples and dog owners, as well as accessible activities for those with disabilities.
The guide is available to download from Roadchef’s website.