Opportunities within 'Science in the National Curriculum'
The difficulties which many science teachers find in teaching about the spiritual and moral dimensions of science are matched by the difficulties which many RE teachers find in including science issues. These perceived difficulties are not surprising, since initial teacher training seldom addresses the relationships between these two disciplines.
Many Religious Education Agreed Syllabuses contain sections on the relationships between science and religion. Topics which crop up in the classroom may include origins (creation, the Big Bang and evolution); miracles; language in science and religion; the nature of explanation; the idea of conflict and the nature of science.
The Education Reform Act (1988) requires that 'The curriculum for a maintained school... promotes the spiritual, moral, cultural, mental and physical development of pupils at the school and of society'. Furthermore, OFSTED have stated that 'The promotion of pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is a "whole school" issue... other subjects [than religious education] can play no less significant a part in inviting pupils to reflect on the purpose and meaning of life.' (Office for Standards in Education (1993) Handbook for the Inspection of Schools, Part 4, Guidance on the inspection schedule, p. 17, London, HMSO) The 'other subjects', of course, include science.
The booklet Teaching about Science and Religion: opportunities within 'Science in the National Curriculum' was produced in connection with a project called 'Engaging the Curriculum - A Theological Programme', organised by the Church and Associated Colleges. It is aimed at helping science teachers to teach about the spiritual and moral dimensions of science, but seems likely also to be of help to RE teachers in addressing one of the perennial issues arising in RE, namely the plausibility, or otherwise, of religious beliefs in a scientific age.
The topic lends itself to collaboration between the RE and science departments, and this booklet may help in setting an agenda for teaching. In addition it is cross-referenced to other helpful publications relating to the teaching of the subject, both in RE and in science, which offer classroom materials.
Obtainable from:
CEM,
Royal Buildings,
Victoria Street,
Derby DE1 1GW,
price £5.50.
The Author
Michael Poole, was formerly Lecturer in
Science Education and is currently Visiting Research Fellow in Science
and Religion at King's College London.
He is the author of four books and over fifty
articles on the subject. He has recently received one of twelve international
awards for Quality and Excellence in Teaching Science and Religion.
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