'One third' of teachers back lessons in creationism

Nearly one in three teachers believes creationism should be given the same status as evolution in the classroom, according to a poll of more than 1,000 teachers published today.

And almost a third already consider creationism or intelligent design to some extent during science lessons, the poll found. Eighteen per cent of science teachers quizzed thought the topics should be given equal status.

The size of the support for putting creationism on an equal footing has surprised teachers' leaders, who say creatonism should be confined to a topic that can be raised during religious education classes.

"It would be wholly wrong to include creationism in the science curriculum," said Christine Blower, general secretary of the National Union of Teachers. "An overwhelming body of evidence, not assertion, supports the concept of evolution."

The poll, carried out for the satellite TV channel Teachers' TV among its sounding board of teachers, showed that the largest group (50.4 per cent) either disagreed or disagreed strongly with the idea that creationism should be given the same status.