Humanists welcome new legislation on primary curriculum

20 November 2009

The British Humanist Association (BHA) has welcomed new legislation introduced today on primary curriculum reform in England, in particular commending the inclusion for the first time of evolution and compulsory sex and relationships education.

Andrew Copson, BHA Director of Education and Public Affairs, said, 'It is fantastic to hear final confirmation that, for the first time, evolution will now be included in the national primary curriculum. Evolution is arguably the most important concept underlying the life sciences. That it had not originally been included in the revised primary curriculum was of great concern and we are pleased to see that has now been rectified.'

Mr Copson continued, 'In another welcome addition to the new primary curriculum is compulsory PSHE, which includes Sex and Relationships Education (SRE). We are strongly in favour of a curriculum subject which gives pupils an opportunity for values education and education that will contribute to their emotional, social and moral development to be made statutory. Without exception, all children have the right to high quality PSHE, including SRE. It is with regret, then, at the same time the government has made PSHE compulsory in all schools, it has continued to allow parents to withdraw their children from these vital lessons.'