UK schools use creationist teaching materials

27 Nov 2006 13:24 - Staff Reporter

Dozens of British schools are using creationist instruction packs that teach intelligent design in science classes, the Guardian reported on Monday. The pack, which includes two DVDs and a manual, were sent to every secondary school in Britain on September 18 by a group called Truth in Science.

Dozens of British schools are using creationist instruction packs that teach intelligent design in science classes, the Guardian reported on Monday.

The pack, which includes two DVDs and a manual, were sent to every secondary school in Britain on September 18 by a group called Truth in Science.

Of the 89 schools who returned the enclosed feedback form, 59 responded positively, while 15 replied negatively, and 15 said the material was “not suitable”.

“We are not attacking the teaching of Darwinian theory,” said Richard Buggs, a member of Truth in Science.

“We are just saying that criticisms of Darwin’s theory should also be taught.”

But the teaching packs have been condemned both by the government, and scientists, with Jim Knight, a minister in the Department for Education and Skills saying: “Neither intelligent design nor creationism are recognised scientific theories and they are not included in the science curriculum.”

The Guardian said that it was not clear exactly how many schools were using the Truth in Science materials, or how they were being used.

“There is just no evidence for intelligent design, it is pure religion and has nothing to do with science. It should be banned from science classes,” said Lewis Wolpert, a developmental biologist at the University of London.