Work in progress
(24 Mar 04)
Emm:
http://web.archive.org/web/*/http://www.emmanuelctc.org.uk/AcademysFAQ.htm
Gov:
http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200405/cmselect/cmeduski/86/86.pdf Myth 10—Millionaire Businessmen are Setting the Curriculum—eg Vardy Foundation— Creationism and Allegations of Discrimination Against Non Christians Academies must provide a broad and balanced curriculum—this is one of the conditions of their funding agreement, with a specialism in one or more subjects. They must teach the National Curriculum core subjects andcarry out Key Stage 3 assessment tests. Aside from those requirements, they are free to innovate. <In other words, do what they want.>
Fact: The Vardy Academies do what is required by law. The National Curriculum syllabus for science requires that the theory of evolution is taught andthis requirement is fully met. The National Curriculum specifically states scientific data can be interpreted in diVerent ways and produce diVerent theories (eg the theory of evolution). The Vardy Academies’ curriculum fully meets these requirements. HMCI is content with the teaching of Science at Emmanuel College.
The Biblical view of creation is taught in RE lessons. Students are taught to consider opposing theories andcome to their own, reasonedconclusions. Their approach is consistent with the non-statutory national framework for religious education recently published.
J. Smith statement & climbdown - Jacqui Smith Forced To Back Down
Lord Filkin Statement
Lord Pearson of Rannoch asked Her Majesty's Government:
Further to the Answer by the Lord Filkin on 31 January (Official Report, cols. 3–5), whether the scientific theory of intelligent design could be taught in United Kingdom schools. [HL1165]
Lord Filkin: In all aspects of the science curriculum, we encourage pupils to consider different ideas and beliefs, and how scientific controversies can arise from different ways of interpreting evidence. Intelligent design theory is not part of the National Curriculum. The National Curriculum for Science states that students must learn that the fossil record is evidence for evolution and how variation and selection may lead to evolution or extinction. Intelligent design theory could be discussed in schools, but only in the context of being one of a range of views on evolution that students might consider and evaluate against the evidence.
Schools: Teaching of Intelligent Design