Vardy Hunting 03 - responses.
Created | Updated Mar 16, 2005
After several automated responses, I eventually received two replies from human beings. One came from somebody called "Maureen Evans", the other came from an "Ian Palmer". I only reproduce one here, as they are word-for-word identical, and both 'signed' by Ian Palmer:
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Thank you for your e-mail of 21 February about the promotion of creationism at Emmanuel College, Gateshead. I have been asked to reply.
I should point out that as a City Technology College (CTC), Emmanuel College is an independent school funded through a Funding Agreement with the Secretary of State. It is a requirement of the Funding Agreement that the College provides a broad and balanced curriculum to all pupils. Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector of schools is satisfied that the CTC is fulfilling its responsibilities in relation to the curriculum.
As you may be aware, all maintained schools and CTCs must teach religious education to all pupils, unless they have been withdrawn by their parents. There are no plans to change this statutory requirement. However, our guidelines on religious education are quite clear that it should not be designed to convert pupils, or to urge a particular religion or religious belief on pupils. All good schools, and their teachers, make sure this is what happens in religious education.
Pupils are also encouraged to explore different views, theories and beliefs in many different subjects in the curriculum, using contemporary and historical sources of evidence. This includes science and also other subjects such as religious education, history and geography. However, pupils are also encouraged to understand that science leaves questions of ultimate meaning and purpose unanswered. I believe this is the right approach to our children’s learning. Through a balanced study of each theory, pupils can make informed judgements and independent decisions about these issues.
Religious education has a unique role in promoting respect for and understanding of those with different beliefs and religious practices from their own, based on the rigorous study of different faiths. Creationism is but one of many differing and often conflicting beliefs which pupils might discuss and consider. This is an essential part of enabling young people to develop their own mature and informed views on moral and ethical issues and to become responsible and active citizens.
Yours sincerely
Ian Palmer
City Technology Colleges Team, Academies Division
__________________
______________
Thank you for your e-mail of 21 February about the promotion of creationism at Emmanuel College, Gateshead. I have been asked to reply.
I should point out that as a City Technology College (CTC), Emmanuel College is an independent school funded through a Funding Agreement with the Secretary of State. It is a requirement of the Funding Agreement that the College provides a broad and balanced curriculum to all pupils. Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector of schools is satisfied that the CTC is fulfilling its responsibilities in relation to the curriculum.
As you may be aware, all maintained schools and CTCs must teach religious education to all pupils, unless they have been withdrawn by their parents. There are no plans to change this statutory requirement. However, our guidelines on religious education are quite clear that it should not be designed to convert pupils, or to urge a particular religion or religious belief on pupils. All good schools, and their teachers, make sure this is what happens in religious education.
Pupils are also encouraged to explore different views, theories and beliefs in many different subjects in the curriculum, using contemporary and historical sources of evidence. This includes science and also other subjects such as religious education, history and geography. However, pupils are also encouraged to understand that science leaves questions of ultimate meaning and purpose unanswered. I believe this is the right approach to our children’s learning. Through a balanced study of each theory, pupils can make informed judgements and independent decisions about these issues.
Religious education has a unique role in promoting respect for and understanding of those with different beliefs and religious practices from their own, based on the rigorous study of different faiths. Creationism is but one of many differing and often conflicting beliefs which pupils might discuss and consider. This is an essential part of enabling young people to develop their own mature and informed views on moral and ethical issues and to become responsible and active citizens.
Yours sincerely
Ian Palmer
City Technology Colleges Team, Academies Division
__________________
