Some good news on the creationism/ID front?

[Mojo]

From the BHA website:

Jacqui Smith: Creationism and ID not science, cannot be taught in science

Schools Minister Jacqui Smith has stated that the Government is opposed to the teaching of creationism and ‘intelligent design’ in science lessons in British schools.

the BHA had asked her to clarify a parliamentary answer she had given, in which she had said that pupils should be taught about how scientific controversies can arise from different ways of interpreting empirical evidence, and that creationism and ID could be covered in RE lessons, "where pupils are taught to consider opposing theories and come to their own, reasoned conclusions."

See here for the parliamentary answer and the BHA letter.

In her reply, she said:

Creationism and Intelligent Design are not included in either the present science programme of study or the revised science programme of study to be implemented in September 2006.

...

Creationism cannot be used as an example of a scientific controversy, as it has no empirical evidence to support it and no underpinning scientific principles or explanations.

...

Intelligent Design is sometimes erroneously advanced as a scientific theory but it has no underpinning scientific principles or explanations supporting it and is not accepted by the international scientific community.’

[vbloke]

*does happy dance*

What about faith schools though?

[Admin]

Well it's great to hear a rational voice on the subject.

All too often there seems to be an air of inevitability with matters such as this. If there's any political milage to be gained by embracing stupidity, politicians are usually keen to run with it. :-\

[Mojo]

Well it's great to hear a rational voice on the subject.

Especially from within the government. A pleasant surprise.

[vbloke]

Indeed.

Now let's see if they actually act on it.

[Zendal Darkman]

In her reply, she said:

Creationism cannot be used as an example of a scientific controversy, as it has no empirical evidence to support it and no underpinning scientific principles or explanations.

great news.

I happens to have spent the day with a teacher (9 year olds) and he told me he taught "all theories" ("all" was evolution and the christian/muslim creation myth). When teaching evolution he presents it as a theory that some scientists belive. He specifically mentioned that he precedes the evolution 'claims' with words such as "some scientists think".

The important thing to note is that the teacher is well intentioned and thinks he has reached a happy medium where everyone will be happy. I am not. It is wrong to present evolution and creation as valid options that children should be free to choose from. Evolution should be treated as FACT in the same way as the earth being round (okay, an 'oblate ellipsoid') is.

His attitude was one of "the truth should be whatever makes you the most comfortable with, and once YOU have made up you mind, no one can criticise your views because they are equally as valid as everyone else's". I believe this is why universities are finding more people believing in creation, schools no longer teacher evolution as 100% fact, they teach it as a mere 'theory' in order as to not upset religious groups.

[Nettles]

His attitude was one of "the truth should be whatever makes you the most comfortable with, and once YOU have made up you mind, no one can criticise your views because they are equally as valid as everyone else's".

How very postmodern!

I have to say, I would LOVE to have written science exams at school for this guy. My science teachers always seemed to insist that there were wrong answers and that my papers were filled with them.

[Jocky]

Schools Minister Jacqui Smith

no longer - she became the Chief Whip after Blair's night of the long knives a few days ago. Let's hope that her successor doesn't meddle with the department's position.

Seems to me that Zendal's teacher friend is doing a grave disservice to his pupils. If he really believes that "no one can criticise your views because they are equally as valid as everyone else's" then does he also advise his pupils to double-guess doctors and other professionals? I would be most unhappy if a teacher said anything of that sort to my kids.

And how come such topics are being taught to nine year olds anyway?? Is that in the National Curriculum?

[Mojo]

Seems to me that Zendal's teacher friend is doing a grave disservice to his pupils. If he really believes that "no one can criticise your views because they are equally as valid as everyone else's" then does he also advise his pupils to double-guess doctors and other professionals?

Very probably. But it probably doesn't extend to plumbers or car mechanics. You don't generally see alternative plumbers or car mechanics.

[Jocky]

And here was me hoping to get The Bad Homeopath to have a go at succussing my blocked drains

[Mongrel]

And here was me hoping to get The Bad Homeopath to have a go at succussing my blocked drains

Probably wouldn't do too badly of he was succussing them with a plunger

[vbloke]

I'll apply a 30C solution of drain cleaner - that should shift it

and give it a pine-fresh smell too

[Jocky]

What would be your choice of mother tincture for unblocking drains??

Presumably on the principle of "like cures like", you'll need a sample of the stuff that's causing the blockage :o

[vbloke]

I'd have to take a full reading and consultation with the drain to find out it's life history, current mood and habits before I could specify what treatment I'd end up using.

[Jocky]

Your sheer professionalism overwhelms me. I'll talk to my toilet straightaway about when it can fit your consultation into its busy schedule.

I think you ought to know that it's feeling very depressed. There it is, brain the size of a planet and I ask it to pick up that piece of ...

** JOCKY! This is the off-topic thread Police. Move AWAY from the keyboard ... **

:eek: