Backing for creationism discussion

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A Teachers TV poll of 1,200 teachers found that almost a third (30%) already consider creationism or intelligent design, to some extent, during science lessons.

And almost nine out of ten teachers take the view that they should be allowed to discuss the subject in science if pupils raise the question.

Supporters of creationism reject the concept of evolution and believe that the Earth and humanity were created by a deity. Intelligent design is a more modern version which argues that life is so complex it cannot solely be explained by evolution.

Andrew Bethell, chief executive of Teachers TV, said: "This poll data confirms that the debate on whether there is a place for the teaching of creationism in the classroom is still fierce.

"Although over half (50.4%) of teachers either disagreed or strongly disagreed with the idea that creationism should be given the same status as evolution, there is a significant minority who believe that it should be given equal weight."

The survey found that 31.1% of teachers agreed that creationism or intelligent design should be given the same status as evolution.

Mr Bethell added: "Perhaps most telling is the fact that, almost nine out of 10 (87.9%) teachers take the pragmatic view that they should be allowed to discuss creationism or intelligent design in science, if pupils raise the question."

In September leading biologist and education expert the Rev Professor Michael Reiss called for creationism to be included in science lessons.

Shortly after he stepped down as the Royal Society's director of education, and the society said his comments had damaged its reputation. Prof Reiss had argued that banning the subject from the classroom is likely to backfire with children who hold sincere beliefs.