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Therefore, we believe that the guidelines need clarifying to prevent Creationism being

presented as a valid scientific theory both in lesson time and outside of it in state funded

schools, as we are aware that this is also happening in clubs in and out of school time. Given

the nature of the internet, we also believe that the Guidance should state that websites which

promote creationism as a valid scientific theory, like other unsuitable resources, should not be

used. We believe this is necessary to protect the plain intent of the current Guidelines.

In addition, you will shortly have to deal with applications for Free Schoolstatus from Everyday

Champions Church (ECC), the Christian Schools Trust and for Academy status for St Peters

among many others. Recent public statements from ECC and its associates suggest, if

anything, an even more anti-scientific approach in its preferred teaching.1 This would suggest

that the current Guidelines will need modification to reflect emerging practice.

The parent involved in the Exeter school incident (Laura Horner) and the British Centre for

Science Education together with the groups and individuals listed at the end of this letter have

therefore come together to launch CrISIS (Creationism In Schools Isn't Science), whose views

are summarised in our petition:

Creationism is known, and officially acknowledged, to be contrary to scientific fact. We

therefore demand that creationism should not be presented as a valid scientific position,

nor creationist websites and resources be promoted, in publicly funded schools or in

any youth activities run on publicly funded school premises.

Since this is in accord with Government policy as we understand it, we look forward to your

support in this matter and a clarification of the Guidelines to reflect these demands.

Respectfully,

Laura Horner B.Sc., PGCE (CrISIS founder and parent)

Jim Al-Khalili, Professor of Physics, Professor of Public Engagement in Science

Simon Barrow for Ekklesia

Dr Susan Jane Blackmore, BA (Hons), MSc, PhD

Professor Paul S. Braterman M.A. D.Phil , D.Sc (Oxon) for the British Centre for Science

Education

Andrew M. Colman, BA (Hons), MA, PhD, Professor of Psychology

D. Colquhoun FRS, Professor of Pharmacology, University College London

Richard Dawkins, DSc, FRS, Emeritus Professor, University of Oxford

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Prof Christopher C French, Professor of Psychology, BA PhD

Adam Hart -Davis, MA (Oxon), D Phil (York)

Julian Huppert, Member of Parliament for Cambridge

The Rev Canon David Jennings, M.Phil., B.D., A.K.C., Rector of Burbage,Canon

Theologian of Leicester Cathedral

Professor J Steve Jones

Dr Stephen Law,

Clifford Longley, Consultant Editor to the Tablet, BBC Moral Maze panellist

Terry Sanderson, President of National Secular Society

Rev Michael Roberts, M.A. (Oxon - geology) B.A. (Dunelm- theology) F.R.Hist.S Vicar of

Cockerham, Winmarleigh and Glasson, Hon Research Fellow in History, Lancaster Univ.

Simon Singh MBE

Canon Prof J.S. K. Ward D.D (Oxon) D.D. (Cantab) , F.B.A. Emeritus Regius Prof ofTheology, Oxford

James D. Williams BSc MEd FSB CSciTeach

1http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/crisis-creationism-in-schools-isn-t-science.html

2Christian Schools Trust 2009 Policy on the Teaching of Evolution, quoted in full by Sylvia Baker, Ph.D. Thesis in

Education, 2009, available at http://go.warwick.ac.uk/wrap/3115, pp 354 on3http://www.creationscience.co.uk/hello-world-2-2/