Submissions regarding the draft national curriculum are due this week on the 30th of May. We have reviewed this curriculum and believe that we will be able to facilitate a smooth implementation from 2011 to 2013. Valid concern has been raised of political bias within the curriculum. Our submission will make appropriate comments regarding this where we find an issue. However, there is an issue that is of great concern to us and a matter which I would like to ask your help addressing.

Professor Barry McGaw, chairman of the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) had gone on public record as saying that with respect to the teaching of creation or intelligent design in science, “Schools can teach them if they want, but not as part of science.” In New South Wales and South Australia, policy has been established to actually ban the teaching of creation as science. Neither do they permit scientific evidence supporting creation to be discussed in a religious lesson.

We have never sought to teach creation alone. We have always felt that it was important for our graduates to have a clear understanding of evolution so that they were able to interact with understanding in University and the workplace.
In addition, we teach a Biblical perspective of creation and study scientific evidence that supports that view.

While the wording in the draft national curriculum does not state a ban on creation, it does not allow room for the teaching of creation as science as our current practice. Professor McGaw’s public comment shows the intent behind the draft.

ACARA have invited public comment on the draft. This is our opportunity to have our say and make a difference. Because this issue is at play in the political arena, it is also important to let our politicians know our position.

With respect to the curriculum of Evolution and the Big Bang Theory, our submission will state:

• We acknowledge the place of studying evolution and already teach this.
• There are many prominent scientists who have other theories regarding our origins. This scientific work is worthy of our student’s attention as well.
• We would like the wording of the curriculum documents to be changed to allow the study of other scientific views including creation and intelligent design. We are not trying to replace evolution, but teach other evidence-based science in addition to it.
• This issue is very important to Christian parents, and one of the reasons that they choose to enrol their children in a Christian school. To take away this freedom that we currently enjoy is to take away this right from parents.
• We are not asking that the teaching of creation and intelligent design be forced upon all schools. We simply ask that room be made in the curriculum for content other than evolution.

WAYS TO LODGE A SUBMISSION

1. The best way is to go to the website www.australiancurriculum.edu.au and register.
   - After you have registered, you can click on “Explore K-10”
   - Slide the Year Level bar to “Year 10”
   - Look at “Science Understanding” numbers 1 and 4
   - Click on the green balloon to add your comments.

2. Or an email can be sent to consultation@acara.edu.au
   The reference for Evolution is Year 10 – S10SU1
   The reference for the Big Bang Theory is Year 10 – S10SU4

3. Or a letter could be sent using the reference codes above:
   ACARA
   Level 10
   255 Pitt Street
   Sydney
   NSW 2000

WRITING TO POLITICIANS FOR SUPPORT
Could you please consider writing a simple email or letter to:

1. Ms Kirsten Livermore MP
   Member for Capricornia
   PO Box 1919
   Rockhampton Qld 4700
   Email: Kirsten.Livermore.MP@aph.gov.au

2. The Hon Julia Gillard MP
   Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Education
   PO Locked Bag 14
   Werribee Vic 3030
   Email: Julia.Gillard.MP@aph.gov.au

Other people worth raising the issue with are Tony Abbott MHR, the Leader of the Opposition, Anna Bligh MP, Premier of Queensland and Geoff Wilson MP, Minister for Education and Training. While the curriculum is being developed at a national level, the implementation will occur at a state level. Because of what has happened in South Australia and New South Wales, it is important for our State politicians to be aware of where we stand in case they were planning a similar ban.

Thank you in advance for your assistance in this matter. This is of critical importance as it one of the fundamental freedoms that Christian Schools have.

I know that some parents have already made a submission. If you have not lodged one already, could you please do so now while we have this opportunity.

Warmest regards in Christ Jesus,

Michael Appleton
PRINCIPAL