Please write to your MP, urging them to support the inclusion of natural selection and evolution in the primary curriculum. You can use our online facility to email your MP directly athttp://tinyurl.com/evolutioninprimaryschool.
I will meet Swayne on 10 July 2009.
Desmond Swayne TD MP
HOUSE OF COMMONS
LONDON SW1A 0AA
desmondswaynemp.com
Thanks. Actually, I disagree with you. I just don't see why evolution can't wait till secondary school. That worked perfectly well for me. I am happy to discuss it face to face and listen to argument if you wish. I will , of course, however forward your letter to the minister. DS
> From:
> To:
> Subject: Science & Evolution in the proposed new primary curriculum
> Date: Tue, 23 Jun 2009 06:20:52 +0100
>
>
>
> Dear Desmond Swayne
>
> I am writing as your constituent to let you have my views on the current government consultation on science in the new primary curriculum and to ask you to take action on this issue.
>
> Part of the proposed new primary curriculum, which is currently the subject of consultation, is an area called 'Scientific and technological understanding' , which is generally very welcome but which is lacking in one very important respect, in that it includes no requirement for pupils to learn about and investigate the concepts of natural selection and evolution.
>
> I believe that the theory of evolution is arguably the single most important idea underlying the life sciences today and must be included in the primary curriculum. Many new educational resources on evolution available for children of primary school age show their ability to grasp the simpler concepts associated with it, and a basic understanding of evolution will help lay the foundation for a surer scientific understanding in secondary school.
>
> In 2009, as we celebrate the 200th anniversary of Charles Darwin's birth and the 150th anniversary of the publication of On the Origin of Species, the omission of evolution from the primary curriculum is very concerning. I believe that this must be put right and evolution included at the later stages of the proposed 'Scientific and technological understanding' area of learning.
>
> I hope that you will make my views, as those of one of your constituents, known to the DCSF ministers responsible for these proposals. If you agree with me that the science curriculum should include evolution, then please do also raise this matter on your own behalf with the minister concerned, and with the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (on chaterm@qca.org.uk), which is conducting the consultation on behalf of the government.
>
> Best Regards,
>
