(2) what steps his Department is taking to ensure that creationism is presented as a religious rather than scientific theory.
To meet the requirements of the national curriculum for science, teachers have to teach about scientific theories. Creationism is not a recognised scientific theory; therefore, it is not included in the science curriculum.
The science programme of study sets out the legal requirements of the national curriculum. It clearly states that pupils should be taught: how uncertainties in scientific knowledge and scientific ideas change over time; the role of the scientific community in validating these changes; that variation within species can lead to evolutionary changes; and, similarities and differences between species can be measured and classified.
Creationism can be explored in religious education as part of developing an understanding of different beliefs. It is up to the local SACREs (Standing Advisory Councils on Religious Education) to set the syllabus for how this should be done.
The Department is currently working with the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority to communicate this message to schools.