BHA welcomes inclusion of evolution in primary school science

The BHA has today welcomed a statement from the Department of Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) that the theory of evolution is to now be included in primary school science lessons in England.

In April this year the government began consultation on a new primary school curriculum, which like its predecessor, failed to make any mention of the theory of evolution or process of natural selection.

During the summer the BHA organised a public letter from a group of distinguished scientists and science educators, calling on government to include evolution in the primary curriculum. The BHA made its own submission to the consultation and encouraged members and supporters to do the same, as well as petitioning MPs and ministers on the issue.

In a letter to the BHA from the DCSF, minister Diana Johnson MP has now stated that ‘We have considered the consultation reports…and the views expressed on this issue by the BHA and members of the science community. As a result of the consultation you will be pleased to know that evolution is now included in the programme of learning for scientific and technological understanding.’

BHA Director of Education Andrew Copson said, ‘This is excellent news. Evolution is arguably the most important concept underlying the life sciences. Providing children with an understanding of it an early age will help lay the foundations for a surer scientific understanding later on. I congratulate the government for taking on board the contributions from so many supporters of science education.

This news is also timely. Many people have been shocked by the news last month of the results of a survey commissioned by the British Council, which found that 54% of Briton’s agreed with the view that “Evolutionary theories should be taught in science lessons in schools together with other possible perspectives, such as intelligent design and creationism.”

Intelligent design and creationism are not scientific theories, as they have no underpinning scientific principles or explanations. Pubic authorities clearly need to do more to tackle the growing threat to the public’s understanding of science from creationist inspired beliefs and other pseudoscience.’

Notes

For further comment or information, contact Andrew Copson at Andrew Copson or on 07534 248596.

The British Humanist Association is the national charity representing and supporting the interests of ethically concerned, non-religious people in the UK. It is the largest organisation in the UK campaigning for an end to religious privilege and to discrimination based on religion or belief, and for a secular state.