Creationism teaching supported

October 27 2009

Some 54 per cent of adult respondents to a recent survey believe that teachers in British schools should teach creationism alongside Darwin's evolutionary theories.

A total of 973 Britons were polled for the Ipsos Mori research, and more than half said they believed theories such as intelligent design and creationism deserve to be taught alongside evolution in the school classroom.

The research, which was commissioned by the British Council, questioned adults in ten countries, including Russia and the US.

While more than half believe such theories should be taught alongside evolution, Britain had the lowest proportion of respondents who believed it should be taught instead of evolution.

Currently, the subject of creationism can be discussed in religious studies lessons, while evolution is discussed in science lessons.

Head of the Darwin Now programme being run by the British Council, Dr Fern Elsdon-Baker, argued that the poll raised questions over the communication of science both in and outside of the classroom.

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