Truth in Science

A headmaster in Bolton has come out in support for the teaching of intelligent design in the science classroom, the Bolton News reports.

Philip Williamson of Canon Slade School argues that it is important to present young people with all of the theories alongside each other. "In teaching evolution and scientific theories we put it in the context that they are not fact. They are the models that best fit with the evidence available now. Scientific theories of the past have been superseded by more recent evidence," he said.

In the public discussion initiated by the comments of the Rev. Jan Ainsworth, intelligent design has been mistaken for biblical creationism to some extent. The article in the Bolton News contains examples of this misconception. Intelligent design is in fact a scientific theory based on observation of the natural world.

Canon Slade School, founded in 1855, teaches more than 1700 pupils. It is a Voluntary Aided Church of England School in partnership with Bolton LEA and the Diocese of Manchester. The school is also a DfES Designated Performing Arts College, Leading Edge School and Training School.