Science

Answer: In fact, neither creationism, nor intelligent design are taught as subjects in schools and they are not specified in the programme of study for the science curriculum. In fact the national curriculum for science clearly sets out that pupils should be taught that the fossil record is evidence for evolution and that that is a fact. As my hon. Friend identifies, there will be opportunities, perhaps in RE lessons or in science, to consider scientific controversy and the issue of creationism may come up in that context, but it is not, of course, a factual element of the science curriculum.

This is an answer to the Oral question asked on Thursday, 16 March 2006 by David Leslie Taylor (Labour).

Question: In the science curriculum in mainstream British secondary schools from September, creationism is to be taught alongside Darwin's theory of evolution. Does the Minister welcome that, as students should understand the context in which scientific ideas arise and reinterpretation of empirical evidence can generate scientific controversy?

Secondary information