Opinion: Vox pop - Should creationism be taught in science lessons?

23 September 2008 1 min read Education

The Royal Society's director of education, Michael Reiss, has said schools should discuss creationism in their science classes. He argues that simply teaching the theory of evolution could put religious pupils off science.

NO - Reverend Jan Ainsworth, chief education officer, Church of England

In 2006, the Archbishop of Canterbury spoke out against teaching creationism in a science classroom as if it were a scientific theory.

I agree. Creationism should not be taught as a scientifically based idea, although many schools rightly include the subject in religious education lessons or in the discussion of the development of scientific ideas. Part of the role of education is to explore and challenge contrasting ideas and viewpoints to encourage students to reach their own informed opinions - and these discussions should include creationism.

NO - John Bangs, head of education, National Union of Teachers

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