Written question asked by Keith Vaz (Labour) on Thursday, 2 February 2006, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 6 February 2006. It was answered by Baroness Smith of Malvern (Labour) on Monday, 27 February 2006 on behalf of the Department for Education and Skills.

Creationism

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what her policy is on the teaching of creationism as a subject in schools; and if she will make a statement.

Answer: Neither creationism nor intelligent design is taught as a subject in schools. The national curriculum programme of study for science at key stage 4 covers evolution. It sets out that pupils should be taught ““that the fossil record is evidence for evolution”” and also ““how variation and selection may lead to evolution or extinction””. Pupils should however be taught about ““how scientific controversies can arise from different ways of interpreting empirical evidence””. Also, the biblical view of creation can be taught in RE lessons, where pupils are taught to consider opposing theories and come to their own, reasoned conclusions. Therefore, although creationism and intelligent design are not part of the national curriculum, they could be covered in these contexts.

Secondary information