Teaching of evolution should be included at both primary and secondary levels in the National Curriculum and in all schools - Update

Creationism and ‘intelligent design’ are not scientific theories, but they are portrayed as scientific theories by some religious fundamentalists who attempt to have their views promoted in publicly-funded schools. There should be enforceable statutory guidance that they may not be presented as scientific theories in any publicly-funded school of whatever type.

But this is not enough. An understanding of evolution is central to understanding all aspects of biology. The teaching of evolution should be included at both primary and secondary levels in the National Curriculum and in all schools. source: http://evolutionnotcreationism.org.uk/

Progress | Position Statement | Signatories

Teach evolution, not creationism - Sign Petition

If 100,000 sign by 12th August 2012, Parliament will debate the issue. Sign the Petition

Teach evolution, not creationism

Responsible department: Department for Education

Creationism and ‘intelligent design’ are not scientific theories, but they are portrayed as scientific theories by some religious fundamentalists who attempt to have their views promoted in publicly-funded schools. At the same time, an understanding of evolution is central to understanding all aspects of biology. Currently, the study of evolution does not feature explicitly in the National Curriculum until year 10 (ages 14-15). Free Schools and Academies are not obliged to teach the National Curriculum and so are under no obligation to teach about evolution at all. We petition the Government to make clear that creationism and ‘intelligent design’ are not scientific theories and to prevent them from being taught as such in publicly-funded schools, including in ‘faith’ schools, religious Academies and religious Free Schools. At the same time, we want the Government to make the teaching of evolution in mandatory in all publicly-funded schools, at both primary and secondary level.

Number of signatures:

4,272

Created by:

Richy Thompson

Closing:

12/08/2012

View other e-petitions for the Department of Education.

email to Desmond Swayne MP about Evolution and the Scientific Method

email to Desmond Swayne MP 27 March 2011

We met on 10 July 2009 to discuss the introduction of Evolution into the Primary school curriculum. You kindly wrote to Diana Johnson MP (Parliamentary Under Secretary for State for Schools at DCSF) on this subject.

my blog: http://teachevolutionprimaryschool.blogspot.com/2009/12/from-2011-evolution-will-be-compulsory.html

I am writing as your constituent to bring to your attention two Early Day Motions which I am asking you to support.

EDM number 243 reads, “That this House notes the value and importance of science in the schools' curriculum; further notes the importance of the specific inclusion of evolution and natural selection in the schools' curriculum; regrets that evolution has been dropped from reforms to the primary school curriculum, along with other reforms proposed; further regrets the inclusion of creationist and other pseudo-scientific theories in the teaching of science in some schools; and urges the Government to ensure that all schools teach and promote science and the scientific method and to include the theory of evolution in the science curriculum at both primary and secondary levels.”

And EDM 185 reads,

“That this House congratulates the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland on the re-opening of the Ulster Museum; regrets that there is pressure to include creationism in the proposed exhibition of evolution and diversity; and believes that the teaching or promotion of religious beliefs should be separate from the teaching or promotion of science.” I am very concerned that government plans to give schools greater freedom over the curriculum may lead to less evolution being taught in schools and a greater risk that some schools, particularly ‘faith schools’ may try to introduce creationism into the science classroom. As evolution is arguably the most important concept underlying the life sciences, it is of paramount importance that it is included in the education of children of all ages. Providing children with an understanding of it an early age will help lay the foundations for a surer scientific understanding later on.

I urge you to add your support to EDMs 243 and 185.

Happy Birthday Charlie!

Evolution Made Us All from Ben Hillman on Vimeo.

Questioning Origins

source: http://www.thewonderproject.co.uk/index.php

KS3: Examine 4 worldviews

Lead KS3 pupils through Christian, Hindu, Humanist and Islamic explanations of our Origins.

Help pupils form their own opinions Tackle the creation / evolution debate Explore Darwin’s life and changing views Many options for leading 6 RE lessons, as well as supporting lessons in Art, English, Music and Science. Download free sample (PDF).

Helping pupils consider the issues around creation and evolution is a complex task. Different people hold different views – some based on religious teaching, others on scientific discoveries, and still others combine the two.
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